Talk about a plot twist straight out of a sports drama! Boise State’s Cinderella season came to a screeching halt in the Fiesta Bowl, with Penn State crashing the party like the ultimate villain. Under Coach Spencer Danielson, the Broncos couldn’t rekindle their magic, falling 31-14 to James Franklin’s squad. It’s got all the makings of a Rocky finale—tough loss, but far from the end. And while the team didn’t get their storybook ending, their star running back is gearing up for a Hollywood-worthy sequel.

Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman finalist and Boise State’s lifeline all season, is taking the next big leap. Instead of returning for his senior year, he’s heading straight for the NFL Draft, opting out in true mic-drop fashion. Known for his electric playmaking and unreal contact balance, Jeanty carried the Broncos through thick and thin. And now he’s ready to bet on himself.

Dropping a heartfelt IG post, Jeanty thanked God, Boise State’s coaches, his family, friends, and the ever-loyal Bronco Nation. “I’m excited to announce that I’m declaring for the NFL Draft,” he wrote. “The opportunity to play in the NFL is a dream of mine, and I’m proud to represent Boise State and everyone who supported me along the way at the next level.” He signed off with a caption that hits right in the feels: “Bronco 4L 🐴💙 #deuce.”

Ashton Jeanty might not have guided Boise State to the semifinals, but the Fiesta Bowl was a perfect microcosm of their season: flashes of brilliance, but ultimately falling short when the stakes were highest. Even with that, Jeanty was the standout performer with a 104-yard performance, which ended his run at history at just 28 yards less than legendary Barry Sanders. Now you know why people say this guy is built differently.

Moreover, it’s just wild to think how close Ashton Jeanty came to rewriting history. The way the running back ended his season was pure magic! He racked up 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Even though he didn’t break Barry Sanders’ record, he absolutely crushed the Boise State record of 1,823 yards set by Jay Ajayi back in 2014. No one has even come close since then. Now let’s just wait and see which NFL team is fortunate enough to get him into his team.

The Ashton Jeanty hype train: internet explodes

Well, there is no denying that the 2024 college football season was pure chaos, and at the center of it all? Two names: Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty! Hunter deservedly took home the Heisman, but Jeanty’s incredible runner-up finish showed us what he’s capable of. This guy wasn’t just a good runner; he completely rewrote the record books with one of the most legendary rushing seasons we’ve ever seen. Even fans can’t help but congratulate him on his new journey, as one wrote, “You are a Heisman winner in my eyes; go be great.” And another fan simply declared him as “The People’s Heisman.”

But what’s next for him, and where’s Ashton Jeanty heading in April? For now, the mock drafts are practically screaming Dallas Cowboys! It seems they need some backfield firepower. Sure, Rico Dowdle surprised everyone in 2024, but let’s not kid ourselves. Dowdle’s solid, but Jeanty? He’s next-level. Wherever Ashton Jeanty ends up, one thing’s for sure: his fans are ride or die; all they want to see is him going pro. “Don’t care if it’s the Cowboys; I am now a superfan of whatever NFL team takes my boy.”

Now Ashton Jeanty’s draft stock is all over the place. But unlike many, Ryan Wilson from CBS Sports sees him pairing up with Joe Mixon in Houston at 19th overall, creating a dangerous 1-2 punch. On the other hand, Josh Edwards projects him landing in Denver at 20, where the Broncos are crying out for a true workhorse. Let’s get one thing straight: wherever Jeanty lands, he will make the team roll, and fans cannot wait to see him go pro. “Can’t wait to see you in the star goat,” a fan wrote.

See, one thing is evident: despite Ashton Jeanty’s top 10-worthy stats, the NFL’s recent trend of devaluing running backs might push him down the board. But who cares? At least his fans don’t, as they hype their man, saying, “Never gonna see a guy like Jeanty again.” Ashton Jeanty is a game-changer, and whoever lands him is gonna be stoked. Can’t wait to see where he ends up!