Boise State University running back Ashton Jeanty, a strong candidate for the Heisman Trophy, announced Thursday that this will be his final season for the university.
Jeanty had a season- high 2,288 yards on 312 carries and scored 28 touchdowns. Jeanty, the nation’s leading rusher, was already expected to enter the NFL draft.
Jeanty needs 341 more yards to break Barry Sanders’ single- season rushing record. He will have at least two matches to break this record.
Next Friday’s Mountain West title game will be Jeanty’s last chance to win the Heisman Trophy.
“I think I’m the best player in the country,” Jeanty said at the Mountain West Conference championship press conference.
“I’ve proven that every week, and I’ll do the same this week. If I’m awarded the Heisman Trophy, it would be an honor for my performance. But right now, I’m focused on playing well for my team and coaches and winning a championship.”
Boise State (11-1, 7-0 MW, No. 10 CFP) is at home against UNLV (10-2, 6-1, No. 20 CFP) in Friday’s Mountain West championship game. The game will be televised nationally and will be crucial for a spot in the College Football Playoff in the Group of Five.
Currently, Jeanty is fifth in the most runs scored in a single season. He is just 55 yards shy of breaking the record held by USC legend and 1981 Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen.
Boise State lost on a last- second field goal against Oregon in September, their only loss of the season. The team defeated UNLV by a score of 29-24 on October 25 in Las Vegas. But Jeanty was held to his second- lowest rushing total of the season (128 yards) in that game. He had one touchdown in 33 carries in that game.
Now Friday’s match is crucial for Jeanty. He will write the final chapter of his season and college football career with a record- breaking performance.
