Boise State Star Ashton Jeanty Wins 88th Maxwell Award

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In what could be termed as a postseason award upset, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty beat out Colorado standout Travis Hunter to win the 88th Maxwell Award on Dec. 12. The announcement was made by Maxwell Football Club executive director Mark Wolpert and revealed live as part of the 2024 College Football Awards show on ESPN. The award goes to the College Football Player of the Year as voted on by members of the Maxwell Football Club and a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters and National Collegiate Athletic Association head football coaches.

Look at these numbers Jeanty posted throughout the regular season. He had 344 carries for 29 rushing touchdowns and 2,497 rushing yards, the fourth-highest single-season total in FBS history. Heading into the College Football Playoff, Jeanty is 132 yards short from passing Oklahoma State-legend and Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders' FBS single-season rushing record.

Jeanty led the college football world in all-purpose yards (2,613), total TDs (30) and points (180). He also has a Pro Football Focus rushing grade of 97.5. That's the highest single-season mark in the College Football Playoff era, dating back to 2014.

Ashton Jeanty Joins Elite Group

In addition to all those statistics, Jeanty is the third non-quarterback to win the Maxwell Award in the last 10 years. Alabama running back Derrick Henry in 2015 and Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith in 2020 took home the honor in those seasons. A formal presentation of the Maxwell Award takes place on March 14, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The Maxwell Football Club will also present other national awards, ranging from high school to the pro ranks, at that time.

Jeanty beat out Hunter and Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel for the Maxwell Award. Jeanty also was the runaway winner for the Doak Walker Award, given to the top running back each season.

Now, what about Hunter and his Heisman Trophy chances? They remain strong as the Buffaloes' star player was not shut out from postseason awards. Hunter, Jeanty, Gabriel and Miami (Fla.) QB Cam Ward all will be present on Dec. 14 at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City. That's where college football's most coveted award will be handed out.

Travis Hunter's Standout Season

Hunter had a record-setting day with the hardware. He picked up the 2024 Chuck Bednarik Award for being the best defensive player in the United States. Additionally, Hunter earned the Biletnikoff Award that goes to the best wide receiver in college football. By picking up these awards, Hunter is the first college football player in the history of the awards to win both of them in the same season.

What type of numbers did Hunter put up in the regular season? Hunter was all over the football field. Literally. As a cornerback, he played 688 defensive snaps, Sports Illustrated reported. Hunter had 4 interceptions and 11 pass breakups. He played 672 offensive snaps as a wide receiver, making 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Hunter added even more hardware as he was named The Associated Press college football player of the year. Not too shabby for a two-way player who has the Heisman in his sights.

Ward won the Davey O'Brien Award for the best quarterback in college football, The Score reported. In his first season under Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, Ward finished with 36 TD passes and 4,123 passing yards. The Hurricanes put together their first 10-victory season since 2017.

University of Texas Players Honored

Two University of Texas standouts were honored for their play this season. Offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. won the Outland Trophy, given to the best interior lineman in the game. Banks was named to the first-team All-Southeastern Conference squad. He was the highest-graded pass blocker in the SEC and allowed just one sack in protecting Texas quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning.

Jahdae Barron earned the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to college football's best defensive back. He's anchored the Longhorns' secondary all season long. Barron led the conference with 5 INTs, 47 tackles, 9 pass breakups and 1 sack.

USC punter Eddie Czaplicki won the Ray Guy Award, the first Trojans' player ever to do so. Czaplicki finished second in the nation for net yards per punt (45.7) and third in yards per punt (48.5).

Louisiana placekicker Kenneth Almendares picked up the Lou Groza Award. Almendares led the Ragin' Cajuns with a pretty accurate foot. He topped all FBS kickers with 27 field goals converted and 127 points scored. In the regular season, Almenares hit 27-of-29 FGs and 46-of-47 extra-point attempts.