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Ashton Jeanty is on pace for the greatest single season ever by a college football RB since Barry Sanders in 1988.
Ashton Jeanty Is Pacing the Greatest Season Ever by a College Football RB
Ashton Jeanty is on pace for a historic season at Boise State, potentially challenging Barry Sanders' NCAA single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards set in 1988. Through six games, Jeanty has 1,248 rushing yards, averaging 208 per game. Over a 12-game season, Jeanty would reach 2,496 yards, just shy of Sanders’ mark. However, with a likely Mountain West Championship and bowl game, Jeanty could play 14 games, putting him on pace to reach 2,912 yards, surpassing Sanders.
Jeanty’s efficiency makes his chase even more remarkable, as he averages 9.9 yards per carry, gaining nearly a first down on every touch. While Sanders averaged 238.9 yards per game, Jeanty’s consistency and extra games give him a chance to break the record. If he stays healthy, Jeanty could solidify his place in college football history.
The Advanced Data Proves Just How Elite Ashton Jeanty Is
Jeanty's exceptional performance this season is evident in his 914 yards gained after contact. This figure alone would position him in second place for total rushing yards among all FBS backs in 2024. Additionally, his average of 152 yards after contact per game accounts for 73% of his total rushing yards per game. If he participates in 14 games, he is on track to exceed 2,000 yards after contact.
Load The Box, It won't Matter
So far this season, Jeanty has faced one of the highest loaded box rates (27.8% of rushes against 8+ defenders) compared to other high-volume running backs. Despite this, he maintains an impressive average of 9.9 yards per carry. His blend of strength and agility renders him difficult to contain, even when up against a loaded box.
How Does Ashton Jeanty Compare to Recent High-End NFL RB Prospects?
Ashton Jeanty's physical and athletic traits place him among the most elite running back prospects in recent years, drawing comparisons to NFL stars like Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson. At 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Jeanty’s raw lower body power (605-lb squat) combined with his low center of gravity and compact frame gives him elite contact balance, making it difficult for defenders to bring him down.
When comparing Jeanty’s numbers to other top NFL RB prospects like Barkley, McCaffrey, and Bijan Robinson, he excels in crucial metrics such as yards after contact per rush and missed tackles forced percentage (44%). Through six games, Jeanty has accumulated 7.25 yards after contact per rush, surpassing McCaffrey, Barkley, and even Robinson during their college careers.
His ability to create yards after contact, combined with the ability to break long runs, places him at the top of the list of most desirable NFL Draft prospects at the running back position in the last 10 years. While he may not possess the blazing speed of Saquon Barkley or Breece Hall, his power and contact balance make him a unique threat.
Ashton Jeanty Is Chasing History, The Heisman, And A Top 10 Spot In The 2025 NFL Draft
Jeanty is undoubtedly the top running back in college football, with the majority of NFL scouts considering him the top prospect at his position for the 2025 NFL Draft. If Jeanty can maintain this performance, he could potentially make history in college football, surpassing NFL legend Barry Sanders as the leading rusher in a single season and possibly becoming the greatest college football running back of all time.