After Week 5 of the 2024 college football season, junior running back Ashton Jeanty has emerged as a strong Heisman Trophy contender, racking up an impressive 845 rushing yards in just four games. Jeanty has surpassed 190 rushing yards in three outings, with his only lower performance occurring during Boise State’s significant 56-14 victory over Portland State, where he carried the ball only 11 times and did not play in the second half.
If Jeanty maintains his current pace of 10.3 yards per carry, he is on track to potentially finish the regular season with 2,535 rushing yards. This achievement would place him among a select group of just four college players who have rushed for over 2,000 yards in a regular season during the past decade.
The players he would join include:
Melvin Gordon from Wisconsin, who in 2014 rushed for 2,260 yards over 12 games and scored 26 touchdowns. Gordon had a remarkable season, contributing significantly to Wisconsin’s success despite an early loss to LSU and highlighted by a record-setting game against Nebraska where he rushed for 408 yards and four touchdowns.
Rashaad Penny from San Diego State had a standout senior year in 2017, finishing with 2,027 rushing yards. Following a strong backup season to Donnel Pumphrey, Penny stepped up and led the Aztecs with a series of impressive performances, including four consecutive games with over 200 rushing yards.
Tevin Coleman of Indiana also had an exceptional year in 2014, recording 2,036 rushing yards, despite his team struggling overall with a 4-8 record. Coleman consistently exceeded 100 yards in all but one game, establishing himself as a reliable offensive leader.
D’Onta Foreman from Texas achieved 2,028 rushing yards in 2016, capitalizing on increased opportunities with 323 carries, even in a challenging season for the Longhorns. Foreman’s performance featured numerous games where he scored multiple touchdowns, showcasing his talent throughout the season.