The gap that Ashton Jeanty has left at Boise State is big. He was a key part of the team's College Football Playoff appearance last season, and individually, he put on one of the greatest performances by a running back. But the team has to move on, which is difficult, and that was evident in their season opener. The No. 25-ranked team lost 34-7 at South Florida last Thursday.
Now, after just one game, questions have already arisen about Boise State's ability to make the playoffs. The team faces mounting pressure as it adjusts to life without Jeanty. This is a point that The Athletic's Manny Navarro stressed on Tuesday.
Navarro said: "After getting dominated at South Florida on Thursday night, the Broncos probably need to upset Notre Dame on Oct. 4 to get into the selection committee's good graces. But that's a headache down the road for coach Spencer Danielson."
Navarro highlighted the Broncos' rushing woes. There's a sharp falloff in their ground game this season.
"Life after Ashton Jeanty looks ominous," he wrote, pointing out that Boise State averaged only 3.2 yards per carry against the Bulls, compared to 6.1 yards per carry last season. The defense also struggled, "allowing 7 yards per play (more than any game last season) and 10.2 yards per passing attempt."
Jeanty, who is now with the Las Vegas Raiders, left a lasting legacy at Boise State. In 2024, he rushed for 2,601 yards and scored 29 touchdowns. Over his collegiate career, he amassed 4,769 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns.
He is one of Boise State's greatest running backs. So it's no surprise that many feel the absence of a player like Jeanty.