Ashton Jeanty is chasing history.
Through six games of the 2024 season, the Boise State Broncos running back has already amassed 1,248 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. The only other running back in the country to have eclipsed 1,000 yards -- Kaleb Johnson of the Iowa Hawkeyes -- has played in seven games.
Jeanty is the runaway favorite to finish first in just about every conceivable rushing statistic this season. But he could be on track for even more. Legendary Oklahoma State Cowboys and Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders currently holds the FBS records for most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in a single season, posting 2,628 and 37 respectively in 1988.
With six games remaining in the Broncos' regular season, Jeanty is currently on pace to end his campaign with 2,496 yards and 34 touchdowns. But while both of those numbers come up short of Sanders' bar, Jeanty's numbers don't tell the full story. In Boise State's two games against FCS opposition, the star running back only played the first half -- totaling 11 and 13 touches respectively.
Given the remainder of the Broncos' games come against conference foes, Jeanty seems destined for a heavy workload down the stretch. At his current yards-per-rush average of 9.9, if Jeanty receives his average carry amount against FBS opponents (25.5) for each of his final six games, he's on pace to finish with approximately 2,762 yards, breaking the record.
We'll be tracking Jeanty's performances weekly, and where he stands with reference to Sanders' long-standing mark.
Week 1 vs. Georgia Southern: 20 carries, 217 yards, 6 touchdowns
Week 2 vs. Oregon: 25 carries, 192 yards, 3 touchdowns
Week 3: BYE
Week 4 vs. Portland State: 11 carries, 127 yards, 0 touchdowns
Week 5 vs. Washington State: 26 carries, 259 yards, 4 touchdowns
Week 6 vs. Utah State: 13 carries, 186 yards, 3 touchdowns
Week 7 vs. Hawaii: 31 carries, 217 yards, 1 touchdown
Week 8: BYE
Week 9 vs. UNLV: TBD
Season total: 126 carries, 1,248 yards, 17 touchdowns