Ashton Jeanty is having an outstanding season with Boise State, positioning himself as a strong contender in college football. Despite finishing as the runner-up for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, he expressed his belief that his performance warranted the award over Travis Hunter of Colorado, who ultimately claimed the title with significant first-place votes.
Jeanty garnered 309 first-place votes and totaled 2,017 points, falling short in what turned out to be the tightest Heisman race since 2009. Hunter received 552 first-place votes, illustrating a highly competitive year for both athletes. Jeanty’s remarkable season includes rushing for 2,497 yards, just 132 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ long-standing single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards.
Looking ahead, Jeanty remains focused and determined, indicating that this runner-up finish has only fueled his ambition. With Boise State set to clash against the winner of the SMU-Penn State game in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on December 31, Jeanty is eager to make a mark and continue his impressive performance.
Jeanty’s accolades this season include winning the Maxwell Award for college football’s top player and the Doak Walker Award for the best running back in the nation. He emphasized his motivation to work even harder following this close call, stating that this is merely the beginning of his journey.
This year’s Heisman race has underscored the emerging talent in college football, with Jeanty positioning himself as a future star to watch. His dedication and skill showcase hope for what lies ahead, especially as he aims for a record-setting playoff performance.
As football fans look forward to the playoffs, Jeanty’s story embodies resilience and determination, promising an exciting continuation of his journey in the sport.