Ashton Jeanty describes his 2024 season at Boise State

Ashton Jeanty was the heart and soul of the Boise State Broncos this past season, and it meant everything to him and the program as a whole.

In the end, Jeanty ended up being the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter, leading all of college football with 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries this season, coming just 28 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders‘ NCAA single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards set in 1988. 

While not a record-breaking season, Jeanty’s 2,600-yard rushing effort was still extraordinary, finishing with 890 more rushing yards than his next closest competitor in Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (1,711 yards). Jeanty also eclipsed the 200-yard rushing mark six times this season, averaging 185.8 rushing yards per game this season.

While the individual accolades are incredible, Jeanty cares more about what he was able to do for his team, as Boise State made the College Football Playoff as the No. 3 seed, earning a bye in the First Round. However, the Broncos fell to Penn State in the Quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl, and Jeanty took some time to reflect on his season after the game.

“First of all, glory to God, you know, for bringing us this far, for helping us restore the order this year. We couldn’t do without him. You know, keeping God first is what’s got us here,” Jeanty stated, via his postgame press conference. “But you know this season’s been a blessing. You know, God’s favor has been upon me and all my teammates all year. I’m just thankful.

“Obviously, didn’t come away with the result that we [wanted], but you know — not just me, but you know, a lot of guys on this team did special things all year.”

Moreover, Jeanty entered the Fiesta Bowl against the Nittany Lions needing only 132 rushing yards to surpass Sanders’ historic mark. But their defense limited Jeanty to a season-low 3.47 yards per carry average in a 31-14 loss, as Jeanty finished with 104 rushing yards on 30 carries and no touchdowns. Still, it’s evident the loss weighed heavier on his mind than anything else.

Ashton Jeanty has a bright future ahead of him with the NFL, but it’s obvious he’ll always have a special place in his heart for Boise State, and he says goodbye to the Broncos following an undeniable 2024 campaign.

On3’s Alex Byington contributed to this article.