Ashton Jeanty Deserved the Heisman: Was He Robbed by Media Bias?

In a college football season filled with standout performances, one player arguably stood above the rest: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Despite putting together one of the greatest seasons ever seen from a running back, Jeanty was left empty-handed at the Heisman Trophy ceremony, losing to Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter. Fans and analysts alike have taken to social media to voice their frustration, calling Jeanty’s snub a glaring oversight by the Heisman voters.

The numbers alone make a compelling case for Jeanty’s Heisman candidacy:

• 334 Carries
• 2,497 Total Yards
• 29 Total Touchdowns

What makes these stats even more impressive is that Jeanty sat out more than eight quarters this season, yet still managed to post figures that rank among the best in college football history. He showcased dominance on the ground, versatility as a receiver, and the ability to take over games—key traits of a Heisman-caliber player.

In comparison, Hunter’s two-way ability certainly brought a unique dynamic, but critics argue that playing more snaps in blowouts and benefiting from a hyped media narrative surrounding Colorado and Deion Sanders shouldn’t outweigh Jeanty’s unparalleled production.

A closer look at the voting breakdown reveals an interesting pattern: Jeanty won both the coaches’ vote and the fan vote, yet fell short in the media vote, which ultimately cost him the trophy. This discrepancy has led to accusations of media bias in favor of Hunter, who garnered immense attention throughout the season as the poster child of Coach Prime’s cultural revolution at Colorado.

Fans have pointed out that Hunter’s Heisman campaign was bolstered by relentless media coverage and the narrative surrounding his two-way play. While Hunter’s achievements were undeniably impressive, critics argue that Jeanty’s consistency and historic production were unfairly overshadowed.

One common rebuttal in Hunter’s favor is his ability to play on both sides of the ball, a rarity in modern college football. However, detractors argue that simply playing more snaps doesn’t equate to being the best player in the nation. “Just because someone plays two ways doesn’t make them the Heisman,” one fan tweeted.

Jeanty, on the other hand, delivered a season for the ages without the benefit of extra playing time in blowouts or a constant media spotlight. His efficiency, dominance, and game-changing ability were undeniable, and many believe these factors should have made him the clear winner.

The Heisman snub hasn’t just left Boise State fans disappointed—it’s sparked a broader conversation about how the award is decided. Critics of the current system argue that media narratives too often dictate the outcome, leaving deserving players like Jeanty on the outside looking in.

Jeanty’s incredible season will not be forgotten, and as he moves forward in his career, he’ll undoubtedly carry the chip on his shoulder from this perceived injustice. Whether or not he holds the Heisman Trophy, he’s already cemented himself as one of the most electrifying players in college football history.

For now, though, the debate rages on: Was Ashton Jeanty robbed? For many, the answer is an unequivocal yes.