Ashton Jeanty Is Dominating the 2024 Season and Emerging as a Top NFL Draft Prospect

Ashton Jeanty, a Heisman top-3 contender, is dominating in 2024, leading the nation in rushing and impressing scouts as a top 2025 NFL Draft prospect.

Ashton Jeanty is poised to establish himself as one of the most accomplished running backs in the history of college football. Holding a spot among the top three contenders for the Heisman Trophy, the Boise State junior has delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing remarkable statistics in the first five games of the 2024 season and laying the groundwork for what could be a record-breaking year. Leading the country in rushing, he is also displaying a diverse range of skills that have caught the attention of NFL scouts and analysts, who are predicting his selection as a top-10 prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Historic Pace and Heisman Contention

Jeanty’s numbers are not just impressive; they’re historic. He’s on pace to surpass some of the most iconic single-season records in college football history:

Stat	Jeanty's 12-Game Pace	Single-Season Record
Rushing Yards	2,535	2,628 (Barry Sanders, 1988)
Rushing Touchdowns	39	37 (Barry Sanders, 1988)
Yards After Contact	1,761	1,355 (Jonathan Taylor, 2017)
Forced Missed Tackles	132	104 (Bijan Robinson, 2022)

Explosive 2024 Campaign: By the Numbers

Through five games, Jeanty has amassed a staggering 1,031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging an incredible 10.9 yards per carry. His production is unmatched, and he has led Boise State to a 4-1 record, with their only loss coming in a competitive game against then-No. 6 Oregon. Jeanty’s performance against Power Five opponents like Oregon and Washington State has elevated his profile, showing he can excel against higher-level competition.

2024 Season Stats Snapshot

• Rushing Yards: 1,031 (Leads FBS)

• Touchdowns: 16 (Leads FBS)

• Yards Per Attempt: 10.9

• Elusive Rating: 385.6 (Top percentile among RBs with 100+ attempts)

• Yards After Contact per Attempt: 7.95

  
  

Strengths: What Makes Jeanty a Top Prospect?

Jeanty's skill set is uniquely versatile, making him a perfect fit for multiple offensive schemes in the NFL. His blend of agility, vision, and power allows him to thrive in zone-blocking schemes, particularly those that utilize outside zone and pin/pull concepts. Here’s a breakdown of his key strengths:

1. Elite Contact Balance: Jeanty’s ability to absorb and shed tackles is among the best in college football. He leads the nation in missed tackles forced with 48, showcasing his elusiveness and power.

2. Elite Vision and Instincts: His patience and decision-making behind the line of scrimmage allow him to find and exploit running lanes, often turning what appear to be minimal gains into explosive plays.

3. Three-Down Versatility: While Jeanty has yet to showcase his full capabilities as a receiver this season, his track record as a pass-catcher (578 receiving yards in 2023) proves he can be a dual-threat weapon, adding value in the passing game.

   
   

Weaknesses: Areas for Improvement

Despite his dominant performances, there are areas where Jeanty can continue to refine his game as he prepares for the NFL:

1. Pass Protection: Improving his pass-blocking technique will be crucial for Jeanty to become a reliable three-down back at the next level.

2. Fumbles: Ball security has been an issue at times, and reducing fumbles will be key to maximizing his potential in the NFL.

3. Short Strider: While his short, choppy stride aids his balance, it can limit his burst and breakaway speed on longer runs.

Three Down Versatility Will Elevate His NFL Draft Value

Despite his minimal involvement in the passing game this season (6 catches for 19 yards on 11 targets), Jeanty’s previous performances as a receiver cannot be overlooked. Last year, he led all FBS running backs in PFF receiving grade and receiving yards, proving he can be a dynamic weapon out of the backfield. His ability to line up as a receiver, combined with his quickness and route-running skills, adds another layer of versatility that NFL teams will covet.

NFL Draft Outlook: Top 10 Potential

Currently ranked as the No. 1 running back and a top-10 overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Jeanty’s stock continues to rise. His ability to dominate both between the tackles and on the perimeter makes him a fit for a wide range of NFL offenses, and his elite traits have scouts excited about his potential to be an immediate impact player at the next level.

If Jeanty continues on his current trajectory, it’s not out of the question that he could be the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Boise State has a history of producing NFL talent, and Jeanty appears to be the next star poised to make that leap.