Is Ashton Jeanty a freshman? Know details of Boise State’s running back
No, Ashton Jeanty isn't a freshman. Boise State’s standout junior running back has been carrying a significant load in the team’s recent games. Jeanty, far from a freshman, is now in his third season with Boise State and has developed into one of the most dynamic players in college football.
Over the past four games, Jeanty has taken on an impressive 129 carries, nearly carrying the team’s entire ground attack. With 1,734 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, he leads the nation in both categories.
His skill, aligned with his heavy workload, has elevated him as a serious contender in the Heisman Trophy race, which is rarely awarded to non-quarterbacks. The last non-quarterback to receive the honor was Alabama’s DeVonta Smith, a wide receiver, in 2020.
Who is Ashton Jeanty?
Jeanty, born on Dec. 2, 2003, in Jacksonville, Florida, is Boise State’s running back. He has been a key player for the Broncos since his first season in 2022.
Coming from a military family, Jeanty had an unusual start to his football journey. While living in Naples, Italy, he attended Naples Middle/High School, where he first took up football in his freshman year, initially as a quarterback.
He rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 21 touchdowns in a six-game season against other base schools across Europe. Determined to further his football career, Jeanty returned to the U.S., where he played at Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas.
His success in high school, including a senior year with 1,843 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns, earned him a commitment to Boise State.
Ashton Jeanty’s college career at Boise State
Ashton Jeanty has made long strides at Boise State, starting with a strong freshman season in 2022.
Sharing carries with George Holani, Jeanty quickly established himself, amassing 821 rushing yards, seven touchdowns and an impressive 5.3 yards per carry over 14 games. His performance in the 2022 Frisco Bowl was especially notable, where he rushed for 178 yards and scored a touchdown, showing fans his potential.
Ashton Jeanty’s sophomore season in 2023 solidified his status as a key player. He led Boise State in rushing with 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns. His versatility as a receiving threat emerged with 569 receiving yards and five touchdowns, marking the highest receiving yardage by any running back in the country.
These accomplishments earned him the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year award.
Now in his junior year, Jeanty opened the 2024 season with a record-breaking game against Georgia Southern, rushing for 267 yards and six touchdowns.
His dominant performances have not only marked him as a top running back prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft but also placed him in the Heisman Trophy conversation, making him one of college football's most impressive running backs.