Who should win the Heisman Trophy: a running back having a historic season, or a player wreaking havoc as a two-way player?
This question looms large for Heisman Trophy voters this college football season, with Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty making headlines for his remarkable performance, while Colorado’s Travis Hunter dazzles on both offense and defense.
In Hunter’s view, he stands out as the frontrunner.
“Y’all see Ashton Jeanty, but it’s not like we haven’t seen a running back that’s good. We haven’t seen a player that plays both ways,” Hunter remarked during an appearance on “Outta Pocket with RGIII.” He continued, “I’ma keep saying that. He has 95 carries for 1,000 yards. If I had 95 catches, how many yards do you think I’d have? If I had 95 targets on defense, what do you think I’d have? … he got double the touches I got on the offensive side of the ball, and I still have defensive stats that’s still crazy, and we’re only in Week 6. I’m not gonna argue about it.”
Hunter’s stats reflect his dual-threat capability. He has amassed 49 receptions for 587 yards and six touchdowns this season, achieving over 100 receiving yards in four of Colorado’s six games.
Defensively, Hunter has recorded two interceptions, three passes defended, and 18 combined tackles, contributing significantly to the Buffaloes’ 4-2 record (2-1 in Big 12 play).
On the other hand, Jeanty is making his mark with impressive numbers, rushing for 1,248 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns on an astonishing 9.9 yards per carry, leading the nation in both categories. He has consistently surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in each game this season and has even eclipsed 200 rushing yards in three contests. The Broncos, currently ranked No. 15 nationally, hold a strong 5-1 record (2-0 in Mountain West play).
Jeanty has already surpassed his rushing touchdown total from last season (14) and is just 100 yards shy of breaking his 2023 total (1,347). He is on track to challenge the single-season college football rushing record set by Barry Sanders in 1988 (2,628 yards).
Currently, Jeanty is favored to win the Heisman Trophy at +160, while Hunter is tied for fifth with odds of +1200.
Looking ahead, Hunter and the Buffaloes will face the Arizona Wildcats in a road matchup on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app. Meanwhile, Jeanty and the Broncos will enjoy a bye week before their next game against the UNLV Rebels on October 25.
