After spending weeks among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, Ashton Jeanty’s odds took a hit this past week. The Boise State running back entered Week 9 with the shortest odds (+200) heading into a matchup with UNLV. Despite finishing with 128 yards on 33 carries and a touchdown, it was his least impressive performance of the season.
Jeanty averaged a season-low 3.9 yards per carry, a significant drop-off from his early-season stretch of 10+ yards per run over three games. His longest carry went for just 16 yards, a far cry from his previous streak of at least one run of 54+ yards in every game.
Still, the Broncos pulled out a 29-24 win over the Rebels, and Jeanty didn’t fall too far in the Heisman race, now holding the fourth-shortest odds at +450 on BetMGM. He’ll have an opportunity to reaffirm his case this week in another Friday night matchup, this time at home against San Diego State.
Boise State is a 23.5-point favorite (-110, BetMGM) over the 3-4 Aztecs, whose run defense ranks 93rd nationally, allowing 175.7 rushing yards per game—significantly worse than UNLV’s 28th-ranked unit.
However, if Jeanty has a big game against San Diego State, the narrative could shift to suggest he can only excel against weaker defenses. To remain among the top Heisman candidates, Jeanty will need to deliver some truly remarkable stats in the weeks ahead.
While it’s too early to write Jeanty off completely, he faces a steep climb considering the competition ahead of him: Dillon Gabriel (+240), Travis Hunter (+250), and Cam Ward (+300).
Gabriel has led the Oregon Ducks to an 8-0 record with statement wins over then-No. 2 Ohio State and No. 20 Illinois. With a manageable remaining schedule, an undefeated season is within reach, making it tough for Jeanty to surpass the quarterback of a perfect Big Ten team.
Travis Hunter’s ability to play both sides of the ball sets him apart. In Colorado’s Week 9 win over Cincinnati, Hunter had nine catches for 153 yards, including a 34-yard TD, and recorded four pass breakups on defense. With the Buffaloes now bowl-eligible, Hunter’s impact has been instrumental, and a Big 12 title run could further boost his case.
Cam Ward has also led his team to an 8-0 start. Although the Hurricanes' wins aren’t as impressive as Oregon’s, Ward has been dominant, leading all Power 4 quarterbacks in passing touchdowns (24) and passing yards (2,746) this season.
A misstep by Gabriel, Hunter, or Ward could put Jeanty back in the mix. His season has been remarkable, and he’s still on pace to break Barry Sanders’ single-season records of 37 rushing touchdowns and 2,628 yards. Holding a +450 ticket on Jeanty to win the Heisman on BetMGM could prove valuable if he can deliver in these final games.
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