As Boise State made a thrilling run to the College Football Playoff, one name has emerged as a standout star: Ashton Jeanty. His remarkable season not only earned him accolades but also a coveted spot at the Heisman Trophy ceremony. With his performance, Jeanty has not only captured the hearts of fans but has also seen his NFL Draft stock soar.
Ashton Jeanty making strong case for Heisman Trophy
Jeanty’s statistics tell a compelling story. Over the course of 13 games, he amassed a staggering 2,497 rushing yards—more than 800 yards ahead of the next closest competitor. This phenomenal achievement puts him in striking distance of Barry Sanders’ all-time record. His contributions were pivotal in leading Boise State to a Mountain West title and securing a first-round bye in the CFP. As a result, he has garnered significant recognition, winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back and the Maxwell Award for the most outstanding player in college football.
But the spotlight is on the Heisman Trophy now. Jeanty is one of four finalists, and he’s determined to make his mark. During a recent appearance on Micah Parsons’ podcast, he passionately laid out his case for why he deserves the prestigious award. “First of all, all the Heisman finalists are all great players. I’ve watched multiple of their games, and obviously got to play against Dillon Gabriel, see him live, so they’re all great players,” Jeanty said. He continued, “But I just think for me, you go week-by-week and watch the film. By Week 4, I wasn’t seeing anything less than an eight-man box. That means the whole defense, every single week, is geared to stopping me, and they still couldn’t.”
NFL Draft prospects for Jeanty
As the season progressed, Jeanty’s name became synonymous with potential. He has consistently been projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Notably, ESPN’s Field Yates included him in his first mock draft, predicting he would go No. 12 to the Dallas Cowboys. However, Booger McFarland believes Jeanty could climb even higher on draft boards.
McFarland, during his analysis at the end of Thursday’s College Football Awards show, pointed out the Cowboys’ pressing need for a running back. “There’s a team in the state where [Andre Ware] lives in Texas, and it’s not the Texans, that needs a tailback,” he said. His comment underscores the shifting dynamics in the NFL, where teams are increasingly recognizing the value of a strong running game. “In this day and age, it’s amazing how history repeats itself. We went way away with the spread offense. We’re coming back to running backs now.”
The excitement surrounding Jeanty is palpable. McFarland added, “Don’t be surprised, Kev, if he’s in the top five in the NFL Draft because there are teams that need running backs that can carry them. He can do it all. He can catch the football also.”
Jeanty’s impact on Boise State
Jeanty’s influence on the field extends beyond individual statistics. His performance has been instrumental in Boise State’s historic journey to the College Football Playoff. “When I played in games against ranked teams, I put up big numbers against them and proved that it doesn’t matter who I’m playing against; I’m a great player on the field,” he reflected.
He believes that winning the conference and leading Boise State to its first-ever playoff appearance are significant milestones. “That was the final checked box, you know what I’m saying,” Jeanty stated. His ability to perform under pressure and against formidable opponents has solidified his reputation as a top-tier talent.
The road ahead for Jeanty
As the Heisman ceremony approaches, excitement builds not just for Jeanty but for the future of college football. Fans are eager to see how his journey unfolds, both in the immediate term and as he transitions to the NFL. Will he take home the Heisman? Will he be a top draft pick? These questions linger as the spotlight shines brightly on him.
Jeanty’s season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with triumphs and challenges. He has faced defenses designed to stop him, yet he has risen to the occasion time and again. His journey exemplifies the spirit of college football—a blend of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness.
As fans eagerly await the Heisman announcement and the upcoming draft, one thing is clear: Ashton Jeanty has made a lasting impact on Boise State and the world of college football. His story is still being written, and it promises to be an exciting chapter in the annals of the sport.
