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Who is Ashton Jeanty? What to know of Boise State football's Hesiman hopeful running back

ehsan kassim, usa today network
·4-min read

In the modern college football era, a non-quarterback takes an out-of-this-world season-long performance to work himself into the Heisman Trophy race.

Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith was the last non-QB to win the honors in 2020. Before that, Crimson Tide running backs Derrick Henry (2015) and Mark Ingram (2009) joined USC running back Reggie Bush (2005) as the only skill position players to win a Heisman since 2000. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is off to a strong enough season to change that narrative.

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Through two games in the 2024 college football season, Jeanty has 459 rushing yards on 45 attempts for nine touchdowns. He had 267 yards and six touchdowns in the season-opener against Georgia Southern. Jeanty helped the Broncos nearly upset top-10 foe Oregon on the road in Week 2 with a 197-rushing yard and three touchdown-performance.

Jeanty could have a chance to pile on his numbers against Portland State on Saturday. The Vikings allowed 224 rushing yards to Washington State in Week 1 and 316 to Weber State in Week 2. PSU did not play last week after exposure to whooping cough, a contagious respiratory illness. This week's game has been confirmed to be on.

Here's what you need to know about Jeanty, including his stats and Heisman Trophy odds:

Who is Ashton Jeanty?

Jeanty is in his third season with Boise State and has played a significant role since he was a true freshman in 2022. As a freshman, he rushed 156 times for 821 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns, with 14 receptions for 155 yards. Last season, he broke out and finished with 220 rushes for 1,347 yards (6.1 YPC) and 14 touchdowns, with 43 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns.

Jeanty led the NCAA in scrimmage per game (159.7 yards per game) and receiving yards for running back (569 yards) while also finishing third in all-purpose yards with 1,196 yards and was fifth overall with 19 total touchdowns. Jeanty's Pro Football Focus grade of 94.8 was also second in college football, while his 106 forced missed tackles led the nation.

As a junior, Jeanty is taking his game to the next level, leading all FBS rushers with 229.5 yards per game, and is second with his 459 rushing yards behind Iowa's Kaleb Johnson, who has played three games to Jeanty's two. He is tied with Tennessee Dylan Sampson with nine touchdowns. Sampson has also played in three games.

Ashton Jeanty recruiting

According to 247 Sports Composite rankings, Jeanty was a 3-star recruit in the 2022 recruiting class. He was the 1,284th-ranked overall player, the 90th-ranked running back and the 188th-ranked player in Texas. Jeanty committed to the Broncos on Sept. 13, 2021, over offers from New Mexico, North Texas, Kansas, Tulane and Cal.

Ashton Jeanty high school

Jeanty was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 2, 2003, making him 20 years old. He attended Lone Star High in Frisco, Texas, where he played basketball and ran track and field. As a senior, he had 1,843 rushing yards, 41 receptions for 810 receiving yards, and 41 total touchdowns (31 rushing, 10 receiving).

Ashton Jeanty Heisman Trophy odds

Below are the players with the top 10 Heisman Trophy odds after Week 3, including Jeanty, who is tied for eighth.

Odds per BetMGM as of Monday, Sept. 16

  • 1. Cam Ward, QB, Miami (+450)

  • T-2. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (+700)

  • T-2. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama (+700)

  • 4. Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee (+800)

  • 5. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon (+900)

  • 6. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia (+1100)

  • 7. Arch Manning, QB, Texas (+1600)

  • T-8. Will Howard, QB, OSU (+2000)

  • T-8. Miller Moss, QB, USC (+2000)

  • T-8. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (+2000)

Ashton Jeanty stats

Here's a look at Jeanty's stats in his three seasons with the Broncos:

  • 2022: 156 rushes for 821 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns; 14 receptions for 155 yards

  • 2023: 220 rushes for 1,347 yards (6.1 YPC) and 14 touchdowns; 43 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns

  • 2024: 45 rushes for 459 yards (10.2 YPC) and nine touchdowns; Five receptions for 12 yards

  • Career: 421 rushes for 2,627 yards (6.2 YPC) and 30 touchdowns; 62 receptions for 736 yards and five touchdowns

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Ashton Jeanty? What to know of Boise State football running back