Ashton Jeanty: “I Should’ve Walked Away with the Heisman”
Boise State’s electrifying running back, Ashton Jeanty, is having a season for the ages. But despite his jaw-dropping numbers, Jeanty fell just short of college football’s most prestigious individual honor, the Heisman Trophy. The award went to Colorado’s two-way sensation, Travis Hunter, in what turned out to be one of the closest Heisman races in recent memory.
Jeanty, who finished as the Heisman runner-up, didn’t hold back when asked about the result. “I really felt like I should’ve walked away with the award, but kudos to Travis for winning,” Jeanty told reporters on Saturday. “But yeah, it’s simple as that. Work harder, go harder.”
Closest Heisman Race Since 2009
Hunter claimed the Heisman with 552 first-place votes and 2,231 points, narrowly edging out Jeanty, who garnered 309 first-place votes and 2,017 points. The 214-point margin marked the closest Heisman finish since 2009, a testament to just how dominant both players were this season.
For Jeanty, the numbers speak volumes. The Boise State star has rushed for an eye-popping 2,497 yards this season, putting him on the brink of history. He needs just 132 more yards in the College Football Playoff to break Barry Sanders’ legendary single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards, set in 1988 while Sanders was at Oklahoma State. That’s a record many thought might never be touched, but Jeanty is knocking on the door.
What’s Next for Jeanty and Boise State?
The Broncos are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown in the College Football Playoff. They’ll face the winner of the SMU vs. Penn State game in a CFP quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. With Jeanty leading the charge, Boise State will be a team to watch as they chase a national championship.
Jeanty’s incredible season hasn’t gone unnoticed. On Thursday, he took home two major awards: the Maxwell Award, given to college football’s top player, and the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s best running back. But for Jeanty, the Heisman snub is fueling his fire. “There’s a lot more to come,” he said. “This isn’t the end, this is just the beginning. So I just have to do that much more to get the things that I want.”
Why Jeanty’s Season is One for the Ages
Let’s break down why Jeanty’s 2024 campaign is so special:
- Rushing Yards: 2,497 yards and counting, with a chance to break Barry Sanders’ record.
- Consistency: Week after week, Jeanty has been the engine of Boise State’s offense.
- Awards: Winner of the Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award, cementing his status as one of the best players in the nation.
Despite all of this, the Heisman voters ultimately leaned toward Hunter, whose ability to dominate on both sides of the ball made him a unique and compelling choice. But Jeanty’s numbers are undeniable, and his determination to prove himself even further is clear.
Looking Ahead
As the College Football Playoff looms, all eyes will be on Jeanty. Can he break Sanders’ record? Can he lead Boise State to a national title? One thing is certain: Jeanty isn’t done making headlines. His response to the Heisman result shows a player who’s hungry, motivated, and ready to take his game to an even higher level.
“Work harder, go harder,” Jeanty said. And with the way he’s been playing, it’s hard to bet against him.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
