With the Heisman Trophy ceremony just around the corner on Saturday, December 14th, the race for college football’s most prestigious individual honor has boiled down to two electrifying players: Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter. Both have delivered jaw-dropping performances this season, but who will take home the coveted award? Let’s dive into the highlights of their standout years and see why they’re making waves across the college football landscape.
Ashton Jeanty: Mountain West’s College Football’s Best Back
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been nothing short of a force in 2024. Standing at 5’9″ and 215 pounds, Jeanty combines power, speed, and exceptional vision, making him nearly impossible to stop. Starting his highschool football career in Italy, Jeanty’s football journey took a major leap in Frisco, Texas, where he made a name for himself with a stunning senior season: 1,843 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns. That remarkable performance earned him four-star status and set the stage for a future filled with success. At Boise State, Jeanty wasted no time asserting himself. After sharing the backfield with future NFL talent George Holani as a freshman, he took full control of the position in his sophomore year, finishing with nearly 1,900 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns.
However, it was his jaw-dropping 267-yard, six-touchdown performance against Georgia Southern in the 2024 season opener that truly thrust him into the national spotlight. Since then, Jeanty has been virtually unstoppable, shredding defenses across the country. Through 13 games, Jeanty has rushed for a staggering 2,497 yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry, and scored 29 touchdowns. He’s also added 116 receiving yards and another touchdown, further showcasing his versatility. His consistency has been remarkable, surpassing 150 yards in every game but one, including six contests where he rushed for over 200 yards.
What sets Jeanty apart is his ability to break tackles, burst through the smallest of holes, and gain extra yards after contact. His explosive style of play has made him one of the most difficult players to stop in college football, and he’s quickly becoming a legitimate Heisman contender. With NFL scouts already buzzing about his potential, Jeanty is proving that he’s not just one of the best backs in the Mountain West—he’s a future superstar on the national stage.
Travis Hunter: A Glimpse into the Future of the Game
Travis Hunter has redefined what it means to be a versatile player in today’s game. The SUPERSTAR from the Colorado Buffaloes, Hunter has been a revelation in 2024, excelling as both a wide receiver and cornerback. On offense, his explosive speed allows him to create big plays and stretch the field, while his elite ball-tracking ability helps him make contested catches and turn short receptions into significant yardage. Defensively, Hunter’s athleticism and superb coverage skills make him a shut-down specialist corner, able to stay with receivers and disrupt routes. His natural ability to read the quarterback enables him to make key interceptions at crucial moments.
This season, Hunter has been sensational on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, he’s racked up 92 catches for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense, he’s recorded 31 tackles, four interceptions, and eleven pass breakups, proving he can shut down opponents when called upon. His ability to dominate in every phase of the game has drawn comparisons to legends like Champ Bailey and Charles Woodson. Hunter’s unmatched durability, playmaking ability, and leadership have earned him several prestigious award nominations, including the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Maxwell Award.
Already a two-time winner of the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player, Hunter is expected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to make an impact as both a receiver and a lockdown cornerback is unlike anything college football has seen in years.
The MFT Verdict: Hunter and Jeanty Set the Stage for Greatness
In a season filled with remarkable performances, Travis Hunter EDGES out Ashton Jeanty for Mayfair Thug’s Heisman pick. Hunter’s ability to dominate as both a receiver and cornerback, while playing nearly every snap, is unmatched in today’s game. His combination of raw talent, leadership, and larger-than-life personality makes him the clear frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
That said, Ashton Jeanty is far from being overshadowed. His blend of explosiveness, toughness, and unwavering consistency has made him one of the top prospects in the nation, and he’s set to be a key player in the 2025 NFL Draft as well. Both Jeanty and Hunter are on track for legendary careers, and it’s almost certain we’ll see them both in the Top 15 of the 2025 Mayfair Thug Mock Draft. Whether it’s Jeanty’s game-breaking runs or Hunter’s all-around playmaking ability, football fans are witnessing two future stars carving their path to greatness this season.