BSU RB Ashton Jeanty going supernova on college football

Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty Brian Losness-Imagn Images

Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty going supernova on college football

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 4, 2024 12:32 PM ET

The Boise State Broncos find themselves ranked No. 21 in the AP poll heading into Saturday's game against Utah State. A large part of the success for Boise is thanks to sensational running back Ashton Jeanty.

Jeanty, a junior from Jacksonville, Florida, has spent all three years of his career at Boise State. As a freshman, he ran for over 800 yards to go along with seven touchdowns, numbers which he surpassed comfortably during the 2023 season, when he rushed for over 1300 yards and doubled his touchdown total to 14. Jeanty is well on pace to surpass last season's totals and very well could have the best season for a running back in college football history.

Simply put, Ashton Jeanty has been the best player in college football this season. Sure, there are the Travis Hunters and the Cam Wards of the world, but nobody is playing at a higher level than Jeanty headed into Week 6.

IN JUST FOUR GAMES?!

Oh my, Ashton Jeanty. @BroncoSports x @BroncoSportsFB pic.twitter.com/ZG4y1Yuqmd
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 2, 2024

His 845 yards and 13 touchdowns both lead college football and he's done it on just 82 carries — just the 15th-most in the FBS.

Jeanty is just one touchdown away from matching his total from all of last season and he will certainly eclipse his yardage mark by plenty. He has caught the attention of national media and fans all across the country, including at the NFL level, with draft analyst Dane Brugler of "The Athletic" comparing Jeanty to LaDainian Tomlinson.

Who does @BroncoSportsFB running back Ashton Jeanty remind @dpbrugler of?

LaDainian Tomlinson pic.twitter.com/Rrr2xKpTZs
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 2, 2024

According to ESPN's Heisman Trophy Odds, Jeanty sits in third place behind Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter. Over at FanDuel, Jeanty trails Milroe, Hunter and Miami quarterback Cam Ward in odds for the honor, but with the games and runs he showcases, his chances should continue to increase.

Ashton Jeanty, HOW?!

pic.twitter.com/OiB03I9jKY
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 29, 2024

With just 156 rushing yards on Saturday, Jeanty would become the first player to eclipse 1,000 yards in five games since Jaret Patterson from Buffalo did it in the 2020 season.

Another stellar game from Jeanty and Boise State on Saturday and the entire college football world (if they already didn't) will undoubtedly know Ashton Jeanty and know the Broncos are a real threat and favorite to reach the new 12-team College Football Playoff.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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