Boise, Idaho – Ashton Jeanty, the standout running back for Boise State and a candidate for the Heisman Trophy, announced on Thursday that he will conclude his collegiate career following this season.
The top rusher in the nation, Jeanty has accumulated an impressive 2,288 yards on 312 carries, along with a remarkable total of 28 touchdowns. It has been widely anticipated that he will declare for the NFL Draft after this record-breaking campaign.
Jeanty is just 341 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ long-standing record for the most rushing yards in a single season. With at least two games remaining, he has the potential to achieve this milestone.
The upcoming Mountain West championship game on Friday will serve as Jeanty’s final opportunity to solidify his Heisman Trophy candidacy. During a press conference for the Mountain West title, he stated, “I feel like I’m the best player in the country. I’ve put that on notice every single week, and it’s just the same thing. I take it week by week. If I’m picked to win (the Heisman), I win. But my focus right now is going out and playing my best football for my teammates and coaches and winning a championship.”
Jeanty and the No. 10-ranked Broncos (11-1, 7-0 MW, No. 10 CFP) will be in the national spotlight on Friday as they compete against No. 19 UNLV (10-2, 6-1, No. 20 CFP) for the Mountain West title and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff as part of the Group of Five.
Currently ranked fifth all-time for rushing yards in a single season, Jeanty needs just 55 more yards to surpass the legendary Marcus Allen, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1981.
Boise State has had a strong season, with their only loss occurring in September at the hands of No. 1 Oregon, who defeated them on a last-second field goal. Earlier this season, the Broncos faced UNLV on October 25 in Las Vegas and secured a 29-24 victory, in which Jeanty had one of his lower performances with 128 yards and a single touchdown on 33 carries.
