Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is rewriting the playbook on what it means to dominate in college football. With 2,062 rushing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 275 carries this season, Jeanty leads the nation in all three categories.
This has put him near the top of the Heisman Trophy conversation. NFL superstars Travis and Jason Kelce also took notice during their latest New Heights podcast episode, with Travis predicting Jeanty’s potential NFL stardom.
Travis and Jason Kelce Believe Ashton Jeanty Will Increase Value of RBs
The two brothers’ discussion started with Jason telling Travis that the Chiefs are running the ball more than ever. “This is the way the league is now, running all of a sudden, running backs maybe their value is going back up…” Jason said.
Travis then said, “Then you got guys like Ashton Jeanty over there at Boise State, you think he might get drafted next year?”
“We’re seeing firsthand how important having great running backs is so yeah yeah I do think it’s going to change things a little bit,” replied Jason.
Jeanty’s stats place him in elite company. He’s the first FBS player since Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard in 2019 to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season. He is currently trailing Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards by only 600+ yards.
One athlete who’s giving Jeanty tough competition for the Heisman is Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter. Still, Jeanty was named a finalist for the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Doak Walker Award, proving his status as one of the nation’s best.
Boise State also enjoys success thanks to Jeanty, boasting a 10-1 record and a spot in the Mountain West Championship. The Kelce brothers aren’t the only ones hyping up Jeanty. His dominance has started discussions about the resurgence of the running back position.
While the NFL has shifted towards a pass-heavy focus, running backs like Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs are proving their worth by leading their teams in rushing yards. Jeanty’s name now joins the list of athletes revitalizing the position and restoring its relevance.
There’s still one regular season game left for Jeanty and the Broncos to solidify their bid for a College Football Playoff berth. Heisman and breaking Sanders’ record aside, Jeanty possesses a blend of speed, toughness, and playmaking ability.
Jeanty’s NFL Draft Potential
Pro Football Network recently released the updated top 100 prospects big board for the 2025 NFL Draft. In it, Jeanty was ranked as the fifth-highest prospect, coming just behind Michigan CB Will Johnson.
“Saquon Barkley was a unique athlete. Bijan Robinson’s usage at Texas made him a special prospect. Neither player was as complete as Ashton Jeanty. Aside from not being able to ride every ride at the amusement park, Jeanty’s profile has no weaknesses.
He led all RBs in receiving yards in 2023. Few are more alert and adept in pass protection. His vision is S-Tier good. He pops off Marshawn Lynch-esque runs of strung-together broken and missed tackles, all while possessing more than enough long speed to be an explosive threat every time he touches the ball.
And he put up 192 yards on the ground and nearly led Boise State to a win against the best team in the nation in Week 2.”
In PFN’s most recent mock draft, Jeanty went in the first round to the Arizona Cardinals.
“Arizona currently ranked eighth in the NFL in rushing yards, with James Conner accounting for 697 yards and five TDs through 10 weeks. They also used a third-round pick to select Trey Benson in the 2024 NFL Draft.
This is a difficult pick to justify, with the Arizona Cardinals having other primary needs despite Ashton Jeanty being a superior talent to Conner and Benson, with his shifty movement, game-breaking vision, and tackle-evading power.”