Ashton Jeanty: The Rising Star of Boise State
BOISE, Idaho – He has a signature sandwich named after him and a collection of personalized athletic gear. He boasts his own trading cards and finds himself pursued by fans in hotel lobbies across the Pacific Ocean. On this particular off day, Ashton Jeanty is in a chiropractor’s office on the northwest side of town, contemplating how to respond to an ex-Marine presenting him with a medal.
The chiropractor has a friend whose children are enamored with the Boise State tailback, known for his explosive running style that resembles a hypersonic tank. With Boise State tracking towards a potential spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, much of the momentum can be attributed to Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy candidate who squats an astonishing 605 pounds and runs fast enough to earn a speeding ticket in a school zone. He is on pace to shatter Barry Sanders’ 36-year-old NCAA record for rushing yards in a season. In fact, Jeanty has already outrushed 90 teams in the 2024 season.
As Jeanty sits in the chiropractor’s office, he finds himself momentarily speechless when the ex-Marine insists on giving him the Achievement Medal, awarded to Marines who demonstrate exceptional performance. “I told him I couldn’t accept it, but he persisted,” Jeanty recalls. “My dad was in the Navy. I understand how significant it is.”
Jeanty’s life has transformed into a whirlwind of attention and accolades. People often make grand comparisons, with some likening him to legendary players like Walter Payton. In a world where college football has become increasingly transactional, Jeanty stands out as a remarkable anomaly, captivating fans and media alike.
The Transformation of Boise State Football
In its 87 years of competition across five different levels, Boise State has only experienced ten losing seasons, half of which occurred before 1950. Despite this history of sustained success, the program was once viewed as college football kitsch, playing on a blue turf field in a high-desert city. Dirk Koetter, who coached the Broncos at the turn of the century, recalls being told they couldn’t practice at night due to the $20,000 cost of turning on the lights.
Today, everything has changed. The school’s 70,000-square-foot Bleymaier Football Center is a far cry from its humble beginnings, featuring a two-story, theater-style team room that could host TED Talks. Beyond the full-time coaching staff, there are over 30 support staff members dedicated to the program. With a $65 million renovation of Albertsons Stadium set to commence this winter, Boise State is poised for a future that looks brighter than ever.
As they look to capitalize on their recent success, athletic director Jeramiah Dickey emphasizes a commitment to excellence: “Now you actually have an opportunity to ‘do epic,’ and that’s been our goal from the very beginning.” This fall, that ambition is encapsulated in the performance of Ashton Jeanty.
A Unique Journey
Jeanty’s remarkable journey is becoming increasingly well-known. The son of a Navy commanding officer, he dominated football fields in Italy before moving to Frisco, Texas, during his sophomore year of high school. Despite his impressive high school performance with 41 touchdowns, Jeanty only received one power-conference offer from Cal, which he declined in favor of Boise State.
After joining Boise State as an early enrollee, Jeanty quickly established himself as a force on the field, earning the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. As he heads into a crucial showdown against UNLV, Jeanty has racked up 1,248 rushing yards, leading the nation and placing him on track to surpass Sanders’ longstanding record of 2,628 rushing yards in a season.
“It’s greatness, what he’s doing,” says safety Zion Washington. The way Boise State has cultivated Jeanty’s talent is a model for programs lacking vast resources, showcasing how relationships and trust can bridge gaps.
Building Trust and Loyalty
Upon Spencer Danielson’s appointment as head coach last December, the urgency to retain Jeanty intensified, with power programs vying for his talents. Reports suggest that Jeanty received offers nearing $300,000, primarily as base compensation. However, Jeanty insists that his decision to stay was rooted in relationships rather than financial incentives.
“For me, it was never really about the money,” Jeanty states. “It was about what’s best for my future, as a player and as a teammate.” His bond with Danielson, forged through their involvement in Boise State’s Unity Groups and shared values, played a critical role in his decision to remain loyal to the program.
Boise State has built a reputation on a blue-collar ethos and personal connections, leading to Jeanty’s unprecedented success. His performance on and off the field has garnered admiration from teammates and fans alike. “He’s a 10 of 10,” Danielson says. “Sometimes I just have to sit back and be like, ‘Dude, this is one of the best college running backs of all time.’”
The Phenomenon of Ashton Jeanty
As Jeanty navigates his newfound fame, he has become a magnet for attention. During a recent road game at Hawaii, fans surrounded him in hotel lobbies and restaurants, eager for autographs and pictures. His ability to connect with fans is admirable, as he prioritizes giving back to those who support him.
Jeanty’s commitment extends beyond the field; he recently announced plans to endow a football scholarship at Boise State, showcasing his dedication to the program and its future. His influence is evident on the field and within the community, as he embodies the spirit of altruism.
A Legacy in the Making
As Boise State continues to evolve, Jeanty’s impact is undeniable. With the prospect of a Heisman Trophy win and a potential first-round NFL Draft selection on the horizon, Jeanty has created a vision board filled with aspirations that reflect his remarkable journey.
“I dreamed of it,” Jeanty shares. “I prayed for it. I worked my tail off every day to try to get to this. I’m not going to say it’s a surprise. With the way I’ve worked and the people around me, yeah, I definitely imagined it coming to this.”
As he embraces the challenges ahead, Jeanty remains grounded, acknowledging the support of his teammates, coaches, and the Boise State community. His journey is just beginning, and the world will be watching as he continues to make history.
(Illustration: Meech Robinson; The Athletic; photos: Loren Orr, Darryl Oumi / Getty Images)