Ashton Jeanty Falls Short in Heisman Trophy Race to Travis Hunter
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty’s dreams of winning the Heisman Trophy were dashed as he came up short in the voting. The coveted award was ultimately given to two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter, who dominated both on offense as a wide receiver and on defense as a defensive back.
Jeanty’s Record-Breaking Season
Despite his loss, Jeanty had an outstanding season, making history as one of the best running backs in Boise State’s program history and even in college football history. He led the country with an impressive 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, solidifying his place as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Jeanty’s Confidence and Preparation
Confident in his chances of winning, Jeanty went as far as writing and practicing an acceptance speech. He expressed his readiness during an interview before the ceremony, stating, “I practiced my speech last night to make sure I’m ready when I get up there.”
Hunter’s Dominance and Awards
Travis Hunter’s exceptional performances on both offense and defense made him a formidable opponent. As a wide receiver, he had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning him the prestigious Biletnikoff Award for the nation’s top wide receiver. On the defensive end, Hunter recorded 31 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and four interceptions, anchoring Colorado’s defense. He became the first player ever to win both the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player and the Biletnikoff Award.
The Closest Vote Since 2009
The Heisman Trophy race between Hunter and Jeanty was one of the closest in recent history. Hunter received 552 first-place votes, while Jeanty secured 309 votes. They were the clear frontrunners in the voting, showing their exceptional performances throughout the season.
Post-Heisman Plans: Boise State and Colorado
Despite falling short in the Heisman Trophy race, Jeanty’s impressive season helped lead Boise State to the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff, granting them a first-round bye. They will face the winner of the SMU and Penn State matchup. On the other hand, Hunter’s Colorado team finished at No. 23 and will play BYU in the Alamo Bowl on December 28.
In Conclusion
The Heisman Trophy race showcased the remarkable talents of both Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter. While Jeanty’s record-breaking season was not enough to secure the award, Hunter’s dominance on both offense and defense proved to be too much to overcome. Both players have left an indelible mark on the college football landscape and will continue to be players to watch in the future.
