A Historic Season: How Ashton Jeanty Has solidified himself as a top Heisman Candidate

If you have kept up with college football at all this season, it is likely you will have heard the name Ashton Jeanty. His rise this season has fans going crazy. Not to mention all the media outlets buzzing about the possibility that he breaks some of the most sought-after records in college football. The junior from Boise State has been compared to some of the greatest running backs the game has seen, like Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and more. Through six games of the season, Jeanty has eclipsed 1,248 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, which is on track to break the legendary Barry Sanders single season rushing record from the 1988 season—he had 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns that season, for reference.

I think the most fascinating start has to do with his efficiency on the field. Jeanty is averaging 10.9 yards per carry and 200 yards per game. If you are less familiar with the game, that’s a first down per carry. Jeanty’s success has allowed the Broncos to climb the rankings and even earn them a spot in the top 25. From his first game of the season in which he ran an astounding 267 rush yards with six touchdowns, his name has been in the Heisman mix and could possibly be the first running back since Derrick Henry who won it in 2015. Just this past week alone, Jeanty rushed for 186 yards with three touchdowns to add.

Despite the “lighter” schedule that people have labeled on Boise State this season, the Broncos have still taken on Oregon who ranked number 7 at the time and number 3 currently where Jeanty put up 197 rushing yards on 25 carries with three touchdowns. The Broncos also only lost by three that game, too.

As a Group of Five player, Jeanty doesn’t receive the national attention that players from the SEC and BIG 10 get, and to see his name mentioned around social media the way it is has only happened a few instances in history. In fact, the last player from a Group of Five team to win the Heisman trophy was Ty Detmer in 1990. Jeanty, however, has stats, consistency and a narrative that every Heisman candidate has shown in the past. According to Idaho News in a recent interview with the head coach, they describe him as generational talent who is humble with leadership qualities; all characteristics of past Heisman’s.

As of now, Jeanty’s pace suggests that he could easily break the 2,500-yard mark by the end of the season. If Boise State continues to perform at a high level and climbs even higher in the ranks, Jeanty’s case for Heisman becomes clearer. His climb for Sanders’ record is and will continue to be one of the most followed stories this season.

Keep a close eye on Boise State and Jeanty this season as he continues to break records. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in comments and share this blog with fellow college football lovers.