Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has taken the college football world by storm, leading all FBS players with 845 rushing yards through five weeks (four games played). His explosive start has not only ignited Boise State’s offense but has also drawn comparisons to the legendary Barry Sanders' 1988 season, where Sanders set the all-time FBS record with 2,628 rushing yards. Jeanty is currently on pace to shatter that mark, projecting to finish with 3,380 yards and 52 touchdowns.
Jeanty's performances in the first four games have been nothing short of sensational. He kicked off the season in dominant fashion, posting 267 yards and six touchdowns on 20 carries in a 56-45 win over Georgia Southern. The following week, in a tight 37-34 loss to #7 Oregon, Jeanty proved himself against tougher competition, racking up 192 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. After a brief break in Week 3, he returned in Week 4 against Portland State with 127 yards on 11 carries, despite only playing the first half in a 56-14 blowout. In Week 5, Jeanty continued his onslaught with 259 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries in a 56-24 win over Washington State.
Through four games, Jeanty has already outpaced Barry Sanders' 1988 start, when Sanders had 813 yards. Jeanty’s dominance after contact has been especially noteworthy, with 588 of his 845 rushing yards coming after contact. (To put that into perspective, those 588 yards would rank sixth in total rushing yards among all FBS players this season.) Additionally, Jeanty leads the nation with 43 forced missed tackles, highlighting his elusive running style.
For those looking to capitalize on Jeanty’s meteoric rise, his upcoming matchups present a golden betting opportunity. Jeanty’s Heisman Trophy odds, currently priced at +1000, place him behind Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Miami’s Cam Ward, and Colorado’s Travis Hunter. However, with upcoming games against Utah State and Hawai’i, two teams with weak rushing defenses, Jeanty has a prime chance to boost his stock in the Heisman race.
Boise State’s next opponent, Utah State, is allowing an alarming 218.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 115th in FBS. Following that, Jeanty will face Hawai’i, whose defense is allowing 164.0 rushing yards per game, placing them 81st. With those matchups, Jeanty could significantly bolster his already impressive numbers before facing tougher competition in Week 9 against #25 UNLV, which ranks 13th in rushing defense. Beyond that, Boise State’s schedule continues to favor Jeanty, with softer rushing defenses like San Diego State, Wyoming, and Oregon State on the horizon.
The favorable schedule only adds to Jeanty’s betting value. After Utah State and Hawai’i, the toughest rushing defense he’ll face is UNLV, which is allowing just 89.0 rushing yards per game. San Diego State, on the other hand, is allowing 222.0 rushing yards per game, ranking 117th. With such favorable matchups, Jeanty has the potential to run wild for the remainder of the season, making him a strong contender for breaking Barry Sanders’ records.
If he does that, it’d be very tough to deny him the Heisman, regardless of team success.
A key factor in Jeanty’s success has been Boise State’s offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, who took over as Boise State’s OC in February, has brought his NFL-level expertise to the program, allowing Jeanty to thrive in a dynamic and well-executed offensive scheme. Koetter’s play-calling has been masterful, using Jeanty in a variety of ways that exploit opposing defenses. Jeanty’s combination of speed, power, and vision has made him a perfect fit in Koetter’s system, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.
Jeanty’s Heisman odds of +1000 present solid value, especially if he continues to post gaudy numbers over the next couple of weeks. With Utah State and Hawai’i on the horizon, he has an excellent opportunity to improve his standing in the Heisman race. Additionally, betting on Jeanty’s individual game props, such as rushing yards and touchdowns, could prove profitable given Boise State’s reliance on him as their primary offensive weapon. His ability to break tackles and pile up yards after contact makes him a constant threat to exceed his projected yardage totals.
Ashton Jeanty’s breakout season has not only put him in the national spotlight but also positioned him as a legitimate Heisman candidate. With favorable matchups ahead and a clear path to further production, Jeanty’s betting value is undeniable. Whether you’re looking to place futures bets on his Heisman odds or take advantage of individual game props, now is the time to act. If Jeanty maintains his current pace, he may not only challenge for the Heisman but also rewrite the college football record books in the process.
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