Even in virtual world, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is among college football’s best

Ashton Jeanty’s incredible first half of the 2024 season has solidified the Boise State running back as one of the best players in college football, putting him in the running for the Heisman Trophy.

His work on the real-world field has earned him a big boost on the virtual gridiron, too.

Jeanty was one of several players to receive an overall rating bump in the official college football video game EA Sports College Football 25. The game released a batch update last week, including rating updates, player additions and more uniform options.

Jeanty’s overall rating was bumped by six points, giving him a 97 out of 99 rating. He’s now the joint-best player on the game, alongside Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, who also both received a 97.

Jeanty was rated 91 overall upon the game’s release in July, making him the 44th-best player in the game, after a sophomore campaign that saw him pick up Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors.

What goes into a player’s overall rating are their numbers in various subcategories, such as speed, strength and awareness. Jeanty received big bumps in his tackle-breaking ability (97, up seven points) and juke moves (94, up seven points).

It’s no surprise that Jeanty received a boost in the game, especially those two statistics. Jeanty has a nation-leading 1,376 rushing yards, with more than 900 coming after contact. He also has the second-most rushing touchdowns in the nation with 18, coming in behind Amy quarterback Bryson Daily, who has 19.

Jeanty isn’t the only Bronco who has reason to celebrate. Sixth-year fullback Tyler Crowe was finally added to the game as a 77 overall, after he was missing off Boise State’s roster when the game was first released.

Although Hunter and Johnson didn’t receive upgrades, allowing Jeanty to pull level with them, several other college stars got little boosts.

Fellow Heisman Trophy hopeful Cam Ward, the quarterback for undefeated Miami, jumped from 91 to 93. The closest running back to Jeanty, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, received a bump from 87 to 91. Johnson has the second-most rushing yards in the country (1,144) and fourth-most rushing touchdowns (16).

The biggest winner from EA Sports’ latest update was someone Boise State will see this weekend. San Diego State edge rusher Trey White made the huge leap from 73 to 88 overall — White leads the country in sacks (11.5), and has 35 total tackles and one forced fumble.