Ashton Jeanty was more into basketball than football during his childhood. Before growing up to be a 5-foot-9 force in cleats, he admired LeBron James. Jeanty, who moved around due to his father’s naval career, spent part of his youth in Florida when LeBron was playing for the Miami Heat.
“Watching (LeBron) overcome all obstacles,” Jeanty said, “I feel like I’ve been doing the same in my career.”
That’s why the Boise State running back will forever be the favorite athlete for a generation of Broncos fans.
While Jeanty didn’t win the Heisman Trophy, he did earn the most points by a Heisman runner-up and suffered the narrowest defeat since 2009. He also won the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and unanimous All-American honors. Jeanty now has his sights set on another significant achievement.
Heading into the College Football Playoff with 2,497 rushing yards this season, Jeanty is just 131 yards away from the official single-season rushing record set by Barry Sanders in 1988. With an average of 192.1 rushing yards per game, there’s a good chance he could break the record in the upcoming quarterfinal matchup against Penn State on Dec. 31.
But Jeanty is more than just a Heisman runner-up and a future NFL star on the brink of making history. At a Boise State program known for taking down giants and producing top running backs, he has managed to rise above the rest.
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There is nuance to Sanders’ record. He achieved 2,628 yards in just 11 games on his way to winning the Heisman in 1988, whereas Jeanty has played 13 games this season. Sanders’ unofficial total is 2,850 yards if you include the 222 yards from the Holiday Bowl, which were not officially tallied back then.
Despite potential skepticism if Jeanty breaks the record, Sanders publicly expressed support for him ahead of Boise’s Mountain West championship victory.
Hey @AshtonJeanty2 – Wishing you luck tonight.
My fans can gripe, but records are made to be broken & I am rooting for you. I love seeing all these @NFL and @NCAA #RBs showing the value of the position. #RunTheRock pic.twitter.com/bk0NtPbAL0— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) December 6, 2024
Jeanty considers breaking Sanders’ record as the pinnacle, especially after narrowly missing out on the Heisman. As Boise State enters the 12-team Playoff as a No. 3 seed from the Group of 5, the record, whether achieved or disputed, doesn’t diminish Jeanty’s accomplishments.
His statistics are astounding, akin to Paul Bunyan playing high school football. With nearly 2,500 rushing yards, 30 total touchdowns, 7.3 yards per carry, and several 200-plus rushing yard games, Jeanty has outshone 115 FBS teams this season. The next closest player, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, has 1,660 rushing yards, which is less than the 1,889 yards Jeanty gained after contact. He is the first back to surpass 2,000 yards rushing since 2019.
Former Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, now with the Las Vegas Raiders, admires Jeanty’s physicality, speed, and demeanor.
Boise State has a rich history of running backs, and Jeanty is poised to join the ranks of NFL-bound Broncos backs. Jeanty surpassed Cedric Minter as the program’s all-time leading rusher this season and broke several records held by Minter since the 1980s. The lineage of tailbacks extends from Ian Johnson to George Holani, showcasing an impressive legacy.
Jeanty, the most decorated player in Boise State’s history, has positioned the program for a shot at a national championship. He has a chance to set records that may endure for years to come, but his impact on the field and community is what truly stands out.
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“He’s a unanimous captain and our team leader,” said coach Danielson. “He’s a special player both on and off the field.”
Jeanty values his individual achievements but also focuses on leaving a lasting legacy. His dedication to his team, community, and philanthropy sets him apart from his peers.
Despite the accolades and records, Jeanty’s impact at Boise State transcends numbers. He will be remembered for the positive influence he had both on and off the field.
— The Athletic’s Vic Tafur contributed reporting
(Photo: Loren Orr / Getty Images)