Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is making a strong push for history as the leading rusher in FBS by a wide margin, chasing Barry Sanders’ single-season FBS rushing yardage record.
Sanders, who set the record in 1988 with 2,628 yards, remains one of the most celebrated benchmarks in college football. However, Jeanty is closing in on the mark, currently sitting 340 yards behind Sanders.
As a junior at Boise State, Jeanty has rushed for 2,288 yards and 28 touchdowns while averaging 7.3 yards per carry. He comfortably leads all FBS players in rushing yards, with North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton 628 yards behind him.
With his output this season, Jeanty is well-positioned to surpass Sanders’ record if he plays in two more games this year. The Broncos will face off against UNLV on Friday, a win would be crucial for Jeanty’s pursuit of the record.
Boise State has an 11-1 record and is ranked No. 10 in both the US LBM Coaches Poll and the College Football Playoff selection committee rankings. A Mountain West championship game victory would secure a spot in the 12-team playoff, where Jeanty is poised to earn a first-round bye and an automatic spot into the national quarterfinals.
If Boise State wins the title, Jeanty will have another opportunity to add yards to his total, potentially breaking Sanders’ record. However, if they lose and miss out on the playoff, it’s possible that Jeanty would opt out of a bowl game, a decision that could significantly impact his NFL draft prospects.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2024/12/06/college-football-rushing-record-fbs-ashton-jeanty-barry-sanders-boise-state/76772647007