There is a very rich history surrounding Bronco Football. But, one accolade the program has never seen is the Heisman Trophy. I'm your neighborhood reporter Alexander Huddleston, taking a look at the record-breaking season for Boise State's Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty.
"I believe he will be in New York for the Heisman," exclaimed Head Coach Spencer Danielson in a post-game conference on October 5th.
It has been over two months since head coach Spencer Danielson made that statement. Thursday night I attended a Zoom press conference with now-Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty as he settles down in New York ahead of the big ceremony on Saturday night.
Jeanty nodded saying, "It's a great opportunity, and I'm extremely grateful to be here."
But how did Jeanty get to this point? Let me take you back to the end of the 2023 season. After a dominant sophomore campaign last year, all eyes were on what Ashton Jeanty would do once the transfer portal opened. But on December 5th, 2023, all questions were answered with one post on X.
"No dollar amount was going to change that outcome. It was about the place and the opportunity I had, and Boise State offered that to me since day one before any of those other schools," explained Jeanty.
Now, fast forward to the beginning of this season. Early on, Jeanty prevailed as one of the most dominant football players in the country. For five games straight, Jeanty led the nation in rushing yards, averaging over ten yards a carry, with many Bronco fans calling him the "Human First Down".
After the September 28th matchup with Washington State, Coach Danielson said, "Relentless. Absolutely relentless. Talk about a guy who puts his team on his back, loves his team, and will find any way to score because he knows thats what his team needs."
Jeanty was an unstoppable force, earning multiple Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week awards, breaking numerous conference and school records, and leading the nation with 2,497 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns, the running back built a stellar Heisman resume.
But all year, the country has watched as Jeanty closed in on football legend Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record. Now he stands only 132 yards away from history.
"That would kind of be the cherry on top to break a record thats been around for decades. But, all these goals and everything that is happening right now, I always had my mind on it. But I couldn't look too far ahead. I just had to trust the process and take it day by day," smiled Jeanty.
RELATED: Ashton Jeanty selected as Heisman Trophy finalist.
Jeanty helped his team win the Mountain West Championship Game, and propelled them to a 3rd seed and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs. But for now, Jeanty sits in New York, hoping to hear his name get called for the Heisman.
In a presser after learning where the team would land in the playoffs, Danielson pleaded to voters that Jeanty had earned the Heisman saying, "Watching the film. Who he is as a person. I think once the voters do that, it shouldn't be close."
The ceremony will be held at 6 pm on Saturday and we will have the results for you then.
