Can Ashton Jeanty Break Barry Sanders' Single-Season Rushing Record?

Even for a program with Boise State’s storied history, the 2024 college football season stands out as one of its most memorable. The Broncos enter the Mountain West championship game against No. 19 UNLV with an impressive 11-1 record and the No. 10 ranking in both the US LBM Coaches Poll and the College Football Playoff selection committee rankings. A victory over the Rebels would secure Boise State’s place in the inaugural 12-team playoff, with a first-round bye and a direct ticket to the national quarterfinals within reach.

While the team’s success has been a collective effort, one player has risen above the rest to define this season: running back Ashton Jeanty. A junior phenom, Jeanty has electrified the college football world, carrying the Broncos’ offense to new heights and positioning himself as a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy alongside Colorado’s Travis Hunter. But Jeanty is chasing more than individual accolades and postseason glory. He is also within striking distance of one of the sport’s most celebrated records: Barry Sanders’ single-season FBS rushing yardage record, a feat that has stood unchallenged for nearly 40 years.

The Legacy of Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders’ 1988 season at Oklahoma State is the gold standard for running back excellence. In just 11 regular-season games, Sanders amassed 2,628 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns, averaging a staggering 7.6 yards per carry. When bowl statistics are included, Sanders’ totals balloon to 2,850 yards and 42 touchdowns, further cementing his legendary status.

Sanders achieved these numbers in an era with shorter regular seasons and against defenses that frequently keyed in on stopping him. His record is not only a testament to his talent but also to the sheer dominance he displayed week in and week out. To this day, his name sits atop the leaderboard for single-season rushing yards in FBS history, a mark that has withstood challenges from other greats such as Melvin Gordon and Kevin Smith.

Jeanty’s Remarkable 2024 Campaign

Ashton Jeanty’s junior season has been nothing short of spectacular. Heading into the Mountain West championship game, Jeanty has rushed for 2,288 yards and 28 touchdowns, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. He has also contributed as a receiver, hauling in 18 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. His versatility and consistency have made him the backbone of Boise State’s offense.

Jeanty leads all FBS players in rushing yards by a wide margin. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, the second-leading rusher, trails Jeanty by 628 yards. Jeanty has rushed for at least 127 yards in every game this season, showcasing his ability to deliver in both blowouts and tight contests. His lowest rushing total of the year came in a game against Portland State, where he still managed 127 yards despite sitting out the second half.

With 2,288 yards already under his belt, Jeanty sits fifth on the all-time single-season rushing list. Here’s how he compares to the top five:

1. Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State (1988): 2,628 yards

2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin (2014): 2,587 yards

3. Kevin Smith, UCF (2007): 2,567 yards

4. Marcus Allen, USC (1981): 2,342 yards

5. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (2024): 2,288 yards

Can Jeanty Break the Record?

To surpass Sanders’ official mark of 2,628 yards, Jeanty needs 340 more yards. While that may seem attainable given his season average of 190.7 rushing yards per game, the path to the record is far from straightforward.

Mountain West Championship Game

Boise State faces UNLV in the Mountain West championship game, a team that limited Jeanty to 128 yards and 3.9 yards per carry during their regular-season matchup. While the Broncos emerged victorious in that game, the Rebels demonstrated their ability to contain Jeanty. Breaking Sanders’ record in this game alone would require a historic performance that seems unlikely against a disciplined UNLV defense.

College Football Playoff

If Boise State defeats UNLV, Jeanty will have at least one more game in the 12-team playoff to chase the record. With the stakes higher and the competition tougher, Jeanty’s ability to deliver will be tested. However, playoff games often bring out the best in elite players, and Jeanty’s track record suggests he thrives under pressure.

Opting Out of a Bowl Game

Should Boise State lose to UNLV and miss the playoff, Jeanty’s pursuit of the record could end prematurely. As a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty may choose to forgo a bowl game to avoid injury and prepare for his professional career. This decision, while understandable, would leave him just short of Sanders’ legendary mark.

The Bigger Picture

Breaking Barry Sanders’ record would solidify Jeanty’s place among the greatest running backs in college football history. However, even if he falls short, his 2024 season will be remembered as one of the most dominant campaigns in recent memory. Jeanty has already cemented his legacy at Boise State, and his performances have elevated the Broncos to national prominence.

A Team Effort

While Jeanty has been the standout performer, Boise State’s success this season has been a collective effort. Under head coach Spencer Danielson, the Broncos have displayed remarkable resilience and versatility. The offensive line deserves special recognition for creating opportunities for Jeanty to shine, while the defense has consistently stepped up in key moments. Together, they have positioned Boise State as a legitimate contender on the national stage.

Looking Ahead

As the Mountain West championship game approaches, all eyes will be on Ashton Jeanty. Whether or not he breaks Barry Sanders’ record, his impact on the 2024 college football season is undeniable. Jeanty’s combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership has inspired his teammates and captivated fans across the country.

Should the Broncos continue their winning ways, Jeanty will have additional opportunities to etch his name into the record books and perhaps lift Boise State to even greater heights. For now, the focus remains on the next challenge: defeating UNLV and keeping the dream of a national championship alive.