Ashton Jeanty's opening six games for Boise State have been nothing short of spectacular. With 1,248 rushing yards at an astounding 9.9 yards per carry, he's already putting up numbers that rival some of the greatest running backs in college football history. When comparisons are drawn between Jeanty and Barry Sanders, the holder of the single-season rushing record with 2,628 yards, the conversation inevitably leads to one question: Can Jeanty break Sanders' hallowed mark?
Early Comparisons with Sanders
Jeanty's six-game total of 1,248 rushing yards eclipses Sanders' first six games during his record-setting 1988 season, where the Oklahoma State legend amassed 1,156 yards. However, Sanders exploded in the latter half of the season, averaging a jaw-dropping 282.3 yards per game in his final six contests. To match Sanders' record, Jeanty would need to average 230 yards per game for the remainder of the season—an imposing task, yet not impossible for a player of his caliber.
Jeanty has been a consistent threat with explosive playmaking ability, but Sanders' late-season surge remains one of the most incredible performances in college football history. That burst, particularly in the final stretch, propelled Sanders to his seemingly untouchable record. While Jeanty has been remarkable, maintaining this pace—and perhaps elevating it—will be key if he aims to challenge Sanders' mark.
How Jeanty Stacks Up Against Other Greats
After six games, Jeanty's production places him in elite company. Here's how his numbers compare to other notable backs through their first six games:
Melvin Gordon (2014): 1,046 yards, averaged 8.3 yards per carry.
Derrick Henry (2015): 901 yards, averaged 5.8 yards per carry.
Rashaad Penny (2017): 993 yards, averaged 7.2 yards per carry.
Jonathan Taylor (2018): 950 yards, averaged 6.9 yards per carry.
LaDainian Tomlinson (2000): 1,282 yards, averaged 7.8 yards per carry.
Marcus Allen (1981): 1,212 yards, averaged 5.5 yards per carry.
Jeanty stands out even among these titans. Only Tomlinson had more yards through six games, but Jeanty's 9.9 yards per carry exceeds the efficiency of every other back listed. His explosive play style, combined with Boise State’s offensive scheme, has allowed him to burst onto the national stage.
Heisman Favorite?
If Jeanty continues at this pace, he will undoubtedly be the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. His current production—leading all rushers in yards and yards per carry—has already made him a household name, and if Boise State remains competitive, his Heisman campaign will gain even more momentum. Notably, Jeanty has an advantage over Sanders in terms of total games played. Jeanty will have 13 games, because of a likely bowl appearance, to reach his mark, compared to the 12 games Sanders had in 1988.
If Jeanty maintains his current average, he will finish with roughly 2,496 yards, just shy of Sanders' record. However, with the extra game, he would surpass the record with 2,725 yards. Should his production ramp up in the final half of the season—just as Sanders' did—Jeanty could well establish a new rushing benchmark, one that may take decades to break.
Prediction: Will He Do It?
Jeanty is on track to make history, but there's a significant hurdle: consistency. Maintaining this blistering pace will require Jeanty to stay healthy, avoid defenses keying in on him, and perhaps even elevate his production as Sanders did in his final six games. While Jeanty has an extra game in hand to break the record, his current form suggests he's capable of doing it in 12 games. He may not reach Sanders' six-game closing average of 282.3 yards, but if he can inch closer to 250 yards per game down the stretch, he’ll be in position to make history.
The safe prediction is this: If Jeanty stays healthy and Boise State remains in contention, he’ll be in the record-breaking conversation come December. Whether he can surpass Sanders' legendary mark, though, depends on how he navigates the grind of the second half of the season. But make no mistake, Ashton Jeanty has already made himself a legend in the making.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion, and college football fans everywhere will be watching to see if Jeanty can take the crown from Sanders.
Is the NFL Next for Jeanty?
Jeanty's remarkable production through six games not only puts him in contention for a historic college season but also raises his profile as a future NFL prospect. Historically, many running backs who eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards in college went on to have successful NFL careers. Former stars like Barry Sanders, Marcus Allen, and LaDainian Tomlinson, and current players such as Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, and Christian McCaffrey, all of whom topped the 2,000-yard mark in college, translated their dominance into professional success.
Jeanty's combination of vision, speed, and explosiveness—evidenced by his 9.9 yards per carry—suggests he has the tools to excel at the next level. His ability to make big plays in both tight spaces and open field aligns with the skill set NFL teams covet in feature backs. Should Jeanty continue his upward trajectory, he could be poised to follow in the footsteps of these college legends who made a seamless transition to the pros, making him a highly coveted prospect in upcoming drafts.