Barry Sanders’ legendary 1988 season continues to loom large, but Ashton Jeanty is on the verge of rewriting history. The Boise State standout is just 131 yards away from breaking Sanders’ FBS single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards, a mark that has stood for 36 years.
The context of Sanders’ record
Sanders’ 1988 campaign redefined dominance, with 2,628 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns in 11 games. He averaged 7.6 yards per carry, won the Heisman Trophy in a landslide, and set a single-season rushing touchdown record that still stands. Importantly, stats from Sanders’ Holiday Bowl performance—222 rushing yards and five touchdowns—didn’t count toward his total, as bowl game stats weren’t included in NCAA records until 2002.
Jeanty’s consistency this season has been extraordinary, surpassing 125 rushing yards in every game he played. Breaking Sanders’ record against Penn State’s stout defense in the Fiesta Bowl is no easy task, but Jeanty has shown he thrives under pressure. While surpassing the record will be celebrated, some purists might attach an asterisk, given changes in statistical rules over the years.
Sanders’ support
Barry Sanders himself has endorsed Jeanty’s pursuit, expressing admiration for modern running backs and acknowledging that records are meant to be broken. His gracious message to Jeanty on social media highlights the mutual respect between generations of elite athletes.
Sanders had a slower start in 1988, with fewer 200-yard games early in the season, but finished with three 300-yard performances. Jeanty’s approach has been steady dominance, which reflects both his endurance and Boise State’s offensive focus on him.
Even if Jeanty surpasses Sanders’ record, the Hall of Famer’s legacy remains untouchable. His 1988 season not only showcased unparalleled skill but also served as a springboard to a legendary NFL career. Jeanty, meanwhile, has cemented himself as a star in his own right and is poised to enter the NFL as one of its most promising young talents.
With the Fiesta Bowl on the horizon, all eyes are on Jeanty to see if he can accomplish what many thought was impossible—topple one of the most iconic records in college football history.