The Untold Story of Ashton Jeanty

How Ashton Jeanty Became College Football’s Top Running Back

Ashton Jeanty is turning heads this season with a chance to break Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record—a feat that would cement him as one of the greatest college backs ever. On top of that, Jeanty has emerged as a serious Heisman contender. But his story goes back further than most know.

Early Life & Military Background

Jeanty was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but his family’s military background meant moving often, even spending three years in Italy. There, he missed out on competitive football—Italy’s sports scene being more about soccer and racing—but stayed sharp by training with his dad. By the time the family returned to Texas, Jeanty was more than ready for the Lone Star High School football scene, though he was playing catch-up with athletes who’d never missed a season.

Texas High School Football & Rising Above

In Frisco, Texas, Jeanty joined a stacked Lone Star High School team with multiple future college stars, yet he quickly made his mark. His talent and speed soon had him leading the charge, amassing over 2,000 yards his senior year. But when it came time for college, he passed on bigger schools, choosing Boise State where he could make an immediate impact.

Dominating at Boise State

By his sophomore year at Boise State, Jeanty exploded with over 1,300 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and more than 500 receiving yards. He’s known for his Barry Sanders-esque ability to turn broken plays into gains, and this season, his numbers are making headlines week after week. In his opener against Georgia Southern, Jeanty put up 267 yards and tied the Mountain West record with 6 touchdowns. Then, he followed that with a standout performance against #7 Oregon, solidifying his place among college football’s elite.

Now halfway through the 2024 season, he’s rushed for 1,248 yards with a 10-yard average per carry and 17 touchdowns. He's even being compared to past Heisman winners, with stats that are hard to ignore.

Will He Break Barry Sanders’ Record?

The big question is if he’ll keep up this pace and break Sanders' all-time record of 2,628 yards. Some say playing for a non-Power Five school like Boise gives him an edge, but it’s also a risk; he passed up the recognition that a bigger school could bring. And yet, he's proving it was the right move.

The Story Isn’t Over

From Italy to Texas to Boise, Jeanty’s journey shows how adversity and persistence shape champions.