The Heisman Trophy is one of college football’s most prestigious honors and is awarded annually to the nation’s best player. While the award has been favored towards quarterbacks in recent years, this season’s race has been one of the best in recent history. The 2024 Heisman race has dwindled down between Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter. Both have put together seasons worthy of the award, becoming a hot topic of debate between fans and analysts alike. Let’s break down the numbers and determine who really deserves the trophy this year.
By the Numbers
Ashton Jeanty – Boise State Running Back
Ashton Jeanty has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Broncos this season. Leading Boise State to an 11-1 record, their only loss came at the hand of #1- ranked Oregon. Jeanty has carried the ball 312 times for an astonishing 2,288 yards, averaging 190.7 yards per game as well as 7.3 yards per carry, and finding the endzone 28 times. These numbers are nothing short of historic. Jeanty now holds the fifth-most rushing yards in a single season in NCAA history, surpassing former San Diego State star Rashaad Penny. He sits just 340 yards shy of Barry Sanders’ legendary record set in 1988.
Jeanty’s dominance could continue into the Mountain West Championship this weekend, still chasing Sander’s record, as well as trying to punch Boise States ticket into the College Football Playoffs.
Travis Hunter – Colorado Buffaloes Two-Way Star
Travis Hunter has been the centerpiece of Colorado’s revival under Coach Prime. The Buffaloes jumped from a 4-8 record last year to 9-3 this season. The Buffalos barely missed out on a Big 12 championship appearance after a brutal loss to Kansas.
Hunter has excelled on both sides of the ball, becoming the first to do so since Michigan’s Charles Woodson back in 1997. However, Hunter has been more dominant than Woodson ever was. Hunter, as a wide receiver, recorded 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 12.5 yards per reception. On defense, as a shutdown cornerback, he has 31 tackles, 11 pass break ups, and 4 interceptions. What sets Hunter apart is his endurance, playing an incredible 120 snaps per game, and showing his incredible athleticism and skill set week in and out.
The Media Debate
Many in the media argue that Hunter’s dual-role dominance makes him the clear-cut Heisman winner. Being a top-10 player at two positions is no small accomplishment. Members of the media also say Colorado plays “real teams” because they are in the Big 12. However, they only have a slightly tougher strength of schedule, rated 61st hardest versus Boise State’s 78th. While Hunter’s contributions are unquestionable, the argument for Jeanty lies in his performances this season.
The Verdict
Travis Hunter has had nothing less than a phenomenal year accomplishing many things that once seemed impossible, establishing himself as Top-10 player on both sides of the ball. Travis Hunter will without a doubt be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft this April. However, I believe that Ashton Jeanty undoubtedly should be awarded the Heisman Trophy for a few reasons.
1. Rushing Dominance
Ashton Jeanty’s dominance is so remarkable that he would still lead the nation in rushing if only his yards after contact were counted. This season, he has amassed an incredible 1,761 yards after contact, shattering the previous record by 406 yards, held by former Wisconsin Badger Jonathan Taylor. Additionally, Jeanty has forced an astonishing 132 missed tackles, showcasing his undeniable elusiveness and power. These stats are nothing short of incredible.
2. Historic Comparisons
It has been nearly a decade since a running back last won the Heisman, which was last achieved by Derrick Henry in 2015. When comparing Jeanty’s numbers to most recent Heisman-winning running backs, his case becomes even stronger:
Derrick Henry: Alabama (2015):1,797 yards, 22 touchdowns on 295 carries.
Mark Ingram: Alabama (2009):1,429 yards, 14 touchdowns on 221 carries.
Reggie Bush: USC (2005):1,658 yards, 15 touchdowns on 187 carries.
Jeanty’s 2,288 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 312 carries blow all these campaigns out of the water. His season is not just great—it’s historic.
3. Proving It Against Top Teams
Critics claim Jeanty’s numbers are inflated by weaker opponents in the Mountain West, but his performances against top teams tell a different story. Against #1-ranked Oregon, Jeanty rushed for 192 yards and 3 touchdowns in a narrow 3-point loss. He also torched an 8-4 Washington State team for 259 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 10 yards per carry. Jeanty has shown he can dominate on any stage.
Both players have had phenomenal seasons, leaving an outstanding mark on the college football landscape in 2024. Travis Hunter’s two-way impact on Colorado’s turnaround is indisputable. However, Ashton Jeanty’s distinguished rushing campaign, record-breaking numbers, and consistency makes him the clear choice for the Heisman Trophy.
The Heisman is awarded to the best player in college football, and Jeanty has proven that he is not just the best running back this year, but he’s the best player. End of discussion. This December in New York, the voters have a chance to reward a truly generational performance. The 2024 Heisman Trophy belongs to Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.