Ashton Jeanty Leads Boise State to Prominence, Emerges as Heisman Trophy Contender

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has catapulted himself into the forefront of the college football scene, emerging as a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Spencer Danielson, the 17th-ranked Broncos have been on a roll, winning three straight games after a narrow loss to Oregon on September 7.

Jeanty’s stellar performances have been a key factor in Boise State’s success. He began the season with a remarkable 267 yards and six touchdowns against Georgia Southern, followed by 192 yards and three touchdowns against then-seventh ranked Oregon. His most recent standout game included 259 yards and four touchdowns against previously undefeated Washington State.

The 5-foot-9, 215-pound junior leads the nation in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Through the first five games, Jeanty has earned four Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week awards. His consistency and explosiveness have been undeniable, averaging 10.9 yards per carry and scoring 16 touchdowns, six of which were from over 60 yards out.

Hawaii coach Timmy Chang praised Jeanty, saying, “He’s a great player… Right now as it stands, not too many people have been able to really slow him down and stop him with what he’s been able to do.” Chang acknowledged that Jeanty’s success is not just a credit to his individual talent but also to the team’s overall performance and coaching.

As Boise State prepares to face Hawaii, Jeanty’s Heisman campaign continues to gain momentum. He is currently the favorite to win the award, with an implied probability of 31% according to recent odds. This places him ahead of other top contenders like Colorado‘s Travis Hunter.

The upcoming game against Hawaii, which boasts the top-ranked defense in the Mountain West Conference, will be another significant test for Jeanty and the Broncos. Coach Danielson emphasized the need for his team to be prepared for all aspects of the game, including the challenges posed by playing on the islands).