Ashton Jeanty has concluded a remarkable 2024 season with Boise State, stepping into the spotlight as a star running back. Despite his impressive performance, Jeanty finished as the runner-up for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, which he believed should have been his. He expressed his feelings about the competition, acknowledging the win of Travis Hunter from Colorado but asserting, “I really felt like I should’ve walked away with the award.”
Hunter secured the trophy with a total of 552 first-place votes, accumulating 2,231 points, while Jeanty closely trailed with 309 first-place votes and 2,017 points, highlighting one of the tightest races for the Heisman in years. This contest marked the closest margin since 2009 when Alabama’s Mark Ingram narrowly defeated Stanford’s Toby Gerhart.
This season, Jeanty has accrued an impressive 2,497 rushing yards, needing just 132 more to claim Barry Sanders’ longstanding single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards, set in 1988. The Broncos are set to compete in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against the victor of the SMU-Penn State matchup at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on December 31.
After celebrating his recent accolades with the Maxwell Award for the top college player and the Doak Walker Award for the leading running back, Jeanty emphasized that this setback would only fuel his determination. “There’s a lot more to come,” he stated, affirming that this moment is merely a stepping stone in his career.
This story not only showcases Jeanty’s athletic prowess and commitment but also serves as a reminder of the drive necessary to succeed in sports. Despite the disappointment, Jeanty’s achievements this season reflect his hard work and potential for future greatness.
In summary, Jeanty is poised for potential records in the upcoming playoffs and remains motivated to elevate his game further. His resolve and performance promise exciting developments in his career ahead.