Ashton moved into a starting role at defensive tackle for Minnesota State, Moorhead during the 2025 season, finishing the year with 31 tackles (20 solo), including 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks ... also was a key contributor on special teams for the Dragons, collecting four blocked kicks over his three seasons ... a two-time NSIC All-Academic honoree ... at the prep level, was an all-district performer at Alexandria Area High School after being credited with 67 tackles, three sacks and eight tackles for loss as a senior