Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty’s Heisman Trophy acceptance speech will end in the same place as Kamala Harris’ presidential victory speech.
Jeanty, a finalist for the award on Saturday night, fell just short of two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter in the voting. Jeanty had Boise State’s best season going back in program history and one of the best seasons in college football history.
He thought the chances of winning this award were very high. He wrote and practiced his acceptance speech. And he also told the world that he did so.
“I practiced my speech last night to make sure I was ready when I went up there,” Jeante told reporters before Saturday’s ceremony.
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Heisman Trophy finalists, from left, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Miami’s Cam Ward, pose with the trophy Dec., Sept. 13, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
But Hunter’s dominance this season both offensively as a receiver and defensively as a defensive back was too much for Jeanty to overcome.
Hunter received 552 first place votes, ahead of Jeanty’s 309. They are the top two finishers in the voting so far. And it’s the closest score since 2009.
HEISMAN HOPEFUL ASHTON JEANTY points to his faith after playoff-bound Boise State wins MOUNTAIN WEST TITLE.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (2) breaks free from the arms of UNLV defensive lineman Tatuo Martinson (98) during the first half of the Mountain West championship game on September 6, 2024 in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Connor)
As a wide receiver Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 total touchdowns. Hunter received the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. As a cornerback, Hunter had 31 tackles and 11 pass deflections. and four interceptions. which anchored Colorado’s defense.
Hunter also received the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player. By becoming the first player to win against both Bednarik and Biletnikoff.
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Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty is interviewed by Fox Sports reporter Allison Williams after the game against the UNLV Rebels at Albertsons Stadium on Dec. 1, Sept. 6. 2024. (Photo Brian Losness/Imagn)
Jeanty is the first running back Heisman Trophy finalist since 2017 after an impressive season in which he led the nation with 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.
The running back helped lead Boise State to No. 1, No. 3 in the College Football Playoff, which includes a first-round bye. Boise State will play the winner of SMU and Penn State.
Hunter’s Colorado team was eliminated from the playoffs. It finished at No. 1. 23. Colorado will play BYU in the Alamo Bowl December 28.
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