Does Ashton Jeanty Have a Case for the Heisman


Photo Credit: Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images


The Heisman trophy is one of the most prestigious awards in sports, but does it truly go to the best player in college football every year?

Since 2000, 19 of the last 23 Heisman Trophy Award winners have been quarterbacks. It became a QB-dominant award until Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith won it in 2020.

When you look at the Heiman race this year you will see Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr., Shadeur Sanders, and Jordan Travis. But who is missing? A non-quarterback. Isn’t it believable that the best player in college football could be a running back, receiver, or even a tight end?


Meet Ashton Jeanty, a Sophomore running back at Boise State. Just last week he was named to the AP Midseason All-American Team as an all-purpose player, one of only two groups of five players. 


Jeanty stepped into the starting running back role after redshirt senior George Holani was hurt against Washington in week 1 and has been one of the best running backs in the entire country.


He has totaled 868 rushing yards (3rd in CFB), 180.6 yards per game (1st in CFB), 15 Touchdowns (1st in CFB), and 396 receiving yards. Playing in just five games he has already had two games over 200 rushing yards, two games with three or more touchdowns. Jeanty is the clear Boise State workhorse this year, only one game where he has not had over 23 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry.


When comparing Ashton Jeanty to other top players in college football, he has more yards than Marvin Harrison Jr., Keon Coleman, Jonathon Brooks, Blake Corum, and Marshawn Lloyd. 


Should team success be calculated into the Heisman Award? 


If this pace is kept and Ashton Jeanty does not get hurt, can a G5 player win the Heisman?


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