Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty expressed his belief that he deserved the Heisman Trophy over Colorado's Travis Hunter, despite losing by the closest margin since 2009. Jeanty's outstanding season included nearly breaking Barry Sanders' rushing record and winning both the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards. His comments reflect a mix of disappointment and motivation as he prepares for the upcoming College Football Playoff.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy race ended with a historic finish as Colorado's Travis Hunter narrowly defeated Boise State's Ashton Jeanty. Despite Jeanty's phenomenal season, where he came close to breaking a long-standing rushing record, he finished second in what was the closest Heisman vote in recent history. Jeanty's reaction to the outcome has been both gracious and determined, acknowledging Hunter's win but expressing a strong belief that he deserved the top honor.
Ashton Jeanty's 2024 season was one for the history books. The Boise State running back rushed for 2,497 yards, just shy of Barry Sanders' 1988 record of 2,628 yards. Jeanty's performance not only earned him a spot in the Heisman finals but also led Boise State to a second consecutive Mountain West title and a top seed in the College Football Playoff. Despite not clinching the Heisman, Jeanty won both the Maxwell Award, recognizing the college football's top player, and the Doak Walker Award as the nation's premier running back.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy decision was the closest in 15 years, with Travis Hunter edging out Ashton Jeanty by just 214 points. Hunter, a two-way star at Colorado, received 552 first-place votes to Jeanty's 309. The tight race reflected the exceptional performances of both athletes, each making a significant case for the award. Jeanty, on his part, felt strongly that his record-nearing season should have tipped the scales in his favor, a sentiment he expressed during post-ceremony interviews.
Despite the disappointment, Ashton Jeanty remains motivated for the future. The Heisman outcome has fueled his determination to prove his worth in the upcoming College Football Playoff. Jeanty's focus is now set on leading Boise State to a national championship, a goal that could redefine his college football legacy. His resolve is clear, as he mentioned in interviews, "This isn't the end, this is just the beginning."
Ashton Jeanty's near-miss in the Heisman Trophy race, while disappointing, has not diminished his achievements or his future ambitions. His remarkable season and the narrow loss in the Heisman voting highlight the competitive nature of college football's top honors. As Jeanty prepares for the playoffs, his performance continues to inspire both his team and fans, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to his college career.
"I really felt like I should've walked away with the award, but kudos to Travis for winning. But yeah, it's simple as that. Work harder, go harder." - Ashton Jeanty