A roller-coaster season is piping down, but the college football world isn’t falling short of the zest at all. Thanks to the unprecedented Heisman hype surrounding a slew of high-flying CFB athletes. All the Heisman frontrunners might make a strong case to win the coveted trophy all along, as we are inching near the final stretch, and only Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty are left in the picture. It was predominantly the Colorado Buffs poster boy awning the top layer before an unfortunate injury stall derailed his momentum and made room for the Boise State prodigy to climb to the top with greater odds. But Hunter turned the page shortly after and reclaimed his supremacy once again. But if there were any other US sports other than football, it would have been a time to roll all Ashton Jeanty fans!

Travis Hunter is a classic in his craft. Even if you’re far from a Colorado Buff fan, you can’t unsee the brilliance he has in him. Despite the ups and downs in the season, the Coach Prime favorite did complete justice to the fascinating build-up. But when it comes to Ashton Jeanty, he absolutely earned his stripe through the season when nobody was even ready to count on him. If it was the MVP honor, Jeanty would have made the strongest case.

Favoring the argument, NFL vet Leger Douzable noted, ”Jeanty has had a special year. He leads the FBS in rush yards with nearly 2300 yards and rushing touchdowns with 28. He’s been the focal point of the Boise State offense. He also has shown his durability. This season, he has eight games with at least 25 carries and he hasn’t missed any time. If the Heisman was an MVP award, then I would definitely give it to Jeanty.”

For those unversed, every other US sport except football hosts an MVP award ceremony where the most valuable player gets crowned, but in college football, it’s the best player. When we say the best, we, by default, take into account the overall stats and records of an athlete rather than how much value he brings to the team for a certain season or year. Hunter might be the finest in terms of consistency and in terms of possessing a unique two-way ability, but Jeanty single-handedly steered him to a historic season.

The Broncos’ sensation racked up a total of 2,288 rushing yards and 29 total touchdowns. With this, it stands as the fifth all-time for most rushing yards in a single season in FBS history, just 340 yards behind Barry Sanders’ record total of 2,628 yards. It’s a razor-thin comparison to deal with. But to all who think Hunter has unofficially sealed the trophy already, take it slow, folks. Jeanty still has an underrated edge over the Buffs’ mogul, so here’s what it is.

Ashton Jeanty can outdo Travis Hunter in the Heisman race through one major edge

Travis Hunter has had a lot in the season. He dealt with a lot of controversies and brickbats for underwhelming performances in a few games. But the bigwig made sure not to allow anyone to undermine his worth. Whenever the Heisman trophy context is drawn, Hunter batted for himself and his outstanding stats. He didn’t hesitate to put his key competitor, Ashton Jeanty, under the shadow while making a cheap comparison. It’s beyond debate that his numbers backed up his big ego and confidence. But for all the blind admirers, the season is still young.

Travis Hunter might be the best player in college football throughout the season, but not on the field during championship week. His team’s shortcomings didn’t allow him one more game to pose his greatness even more. The Colorado Buffaloes will miss the Big 12 championship game and the fans-approved ‘best player’ in college football has a high chance of being out of sight, out of mind next weekend. Jeanty can again make it to his advantage as Boise State is still in the place of playing in a conference championship game.

If UNLV knocks down Nevada on Saturday, the Rebels will face the Broncos. If UNLV loses and Colorado State beats Utah State, the Rams have to deal with Ashton Jeanty Broncos. But in both cases, Jeanty can add stacks to his Heisman odds and make a difference in the voters’ final week decision.

But in Douzable’s pick, Hunter still runs the race. ”Travis Hunter is top five in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in college football. He’s also top 15 in interceptions and top five in pass breakups, which is crazy in itself because teams don’t target him. What Travis Hunter is doing astronomical to play at an elite level of both sides of the ba-l, not only does that take ohysocal fortititude but it also takes mental fortitude. He’s the best football player in college. If I had a vote, Hunter would be my pick for the Heisman,” the NFL big dog concluded. 

Yes, it’s that’s tricky call, it’s that of a close call you should wait with a bated breath to watch it unfold.