Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty made history on Saturday night, but not the kind he had hoped for. After one of the most impressive seasons for any running back, Jeanty finished second to Colorado's Travis Hunter in the voting for the 2024 Heisman Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. The vote was incredibly close, with Jeanty receiving 2,017 points and 309 first-place votes compared to Hunter's 2,231 points and 552 first-place votes. This marked the smallest margin of victory since 2009 when Alabama's Mark Ingram narrowly defeated Stanford's Toby Gerhart.
Jeanty’s performance this season was nothing short of remarkable. He led the nation with 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, helping propel Boise State to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance and securing the No. 3 seed. His stats show just how dominant he was on the field: he rushed for more than 100 yards in every game and recorded at least 125 yards rushing for 13 consecutive games—an unparalleled achievement.
During the Mountain West Championship Game, Jeanty showcased his extraordinary abilities with 209 yards and a 75-yard touchdown run on 32 carries, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest running backs the game has seen. Jeanty fell just 132 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders' legendary single-season rushing record. With 1,889 of his rushing yards gained after contact, Jeanty illustrated his versatility and ability to push through defenses—more than any other college player had total rushing yards.
Jeanty’s season was filled with record-setting performances and thrilling highlights—we should not overlook the fact he had ten runs of over 60 yards and eight touchdowns covering more than 60 yards. The numbers tell only part of the story; Jeanty's influence on Boise State's success cannot be overstated. He was the first running back to be selected as a Heisman finalist since 2017.
The buzz leading up to the Heisman ceremony was palpable. Jeanty was so confident about his chances, he had written and practiced his acceptance speech, sharing this preparation with the media days before the event. "I practiced my speech last night to make sure I’m ready when I get up there," he told reporters, underscoring how much the moment meant to him.
Despite not winning the prestigious award, Jeanty expressed gratitude for the recognition he received. He told ESPN’s Holly Rowe, "Honestly, I knew I would be here, standing right in front of you guys. It’s been a blessing to have this opportunity, and it all came from the hard work I put in each and every single day." His humility was evident as he reflected on his season.
Hunter, who played as both wide receiver and cornerback for Colorado, took home the trophy thanks to his dual-sport capability. He had impressive stats himself, with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as well as solid defensive numbers, including four interceptions. His versatility sealed the deal for his candidacy, allowing him to excel on both sides of the ball.
This year's Heisman race ignited passionate discussions among fans. Many took to social media to express their opinions, stating Jeanty was more deserving of the award. One fan lamented, "Travis Hunter is the media’s Heisman. Ashton Jeanty is the people’s Heisman." Another wrote, "How it feels watching a once-in-a-generation season by Ashton Jeanty just to lose the Heisman Trophy to Travis Hunter." These sentiments captured the emotional investment fans had with Jeanty’s incredible season.
Jeanty's place in history is firm and significant; he not only set records for Boise State but also represented the Mountain West Conference on one of college football's biggest stages. His second-place finish is the highest ever for Boise State, surpassing the previous record by quarterback Kellen Moore, who finished fourth in 2010. His achievements this year also won him the Doak Walker Award for the nation's top running back and the Maxwell Award as the most outstanding player.
Despite the disappointment of losing the Heisman, Jeanty gathered numerous accolades this year, reflecting his overall excellence as he guided Boise State to a 12-1 record. His efforts led the Broncos to capture their second consecutive Mountain West Championship. Looking forward, Boise State is set to face the winner of the SMU vs. Penn State game in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, marking another significant milestone for the program.
Jeanty's legacy has only just begun, and with the talented junior progressing to the NFL Draft, expectations remain high. He's projected to be picked in the first round and is viewed as one of the top running back prospects of the decade. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see where his career will lead next.
While Jeanty may not have taken home the Heisman Trophy, his historic season has cemented his status as one of college football's all-time greats, ensuring his name resonates beyond the accolades and records.
