Tim Tebow has been aboard the Ashton Jeanty hype train for some time. The Boise State running back continues to fulfill the former Heisman Trophy winner’s faith in him — on Saturday, Oct. 5, the Broncos hosted the Utah State Aggies at Albertsons Stadium, and Jeanty delivered big time again.
While Jeanty is redefining the NFL landscape and competing for a quarterback-driven trophy, he has competition from another non-QB prospect having a stellar season: Travis Hunter, the Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback whose two-way skills are on full display.
Tim Tebow Has Clear Verdict on 2024 Heisman Winner
The former Florida Gators quarterback Tebow won the Heisman Trophy in his sophomore year (2007), a feat unheard of in college football at the time. Now at 37 years old, he weighed in on the 2024 Heisman Trophy race, and his verdict is clear.
During an ESPN appearance, Tebow was asked who he had at the top of his Heisman ballot. Without hesitation, Tebow placed Boise State’s Jeanty in the No. 1 spot.
“What Ashton Jeanty has done in just six games is incredible,” Tebow said. “He’s leading the FBS in so many categories, but my favorite stat is 6.7 yards after contact. That’s ridiculous, and because of that alone, I give him the slight edge.”
Ashton Jeanty has a slight edge in the Heisman race, according to @TimTebow ✍️ pic.twitter.com/XWyAkxK8Eb
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB)
Earlier in the season, Tebow also praised Jeanty on ESPN’s “Marty & McGee,” calling him “an absolute freak” for his ability to break tackles and make defenders miss.
“Watch him live. It’s a joke. Watch his balance. Watch the way he’s breaking tackles, running through tackles, and making people miss; like, I hope Heisman voters stay up at night because it’s your job and your responsibility.”
The Heisman race is heating up.
Jalen Milroe?
Travis Hunter?
Ashton Jeanty?
Quinn Ewers?@TimTebow joins @ESPNMcGee and me to share his Heisman experience, and who he thinks is the frontrunner after 5 weeks.
Oh, and an impassioned plea from Tim directly to Heisman voters. pic.twitter.com/5dECg7JGGX— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN)
Jeanty’s stats back up Tebow’s praise — he has racked up 1,248 yards and 17 touchdowns in just six games.
Also read: 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Takes Aim at Jeanty With Bold Claim on Heisman Trophy Race
However, Colorado’s Hunter is not far behind. While Tebow clearly prefers Jeanty, he puts Hunter at No. 2. The Colorado athlete is in no mood to stop either; with his two-way skill set, he has managed 604 yards on 51 receptions and six touchdowns. On the defensive front, Hunter has 18 total tackles registered to his name, as well as two interceptions and one forced fumble.
Hunter holds the No. 2 spot on ESPN’s mid-season Heisman voting list, trailing Jeanty in what has become a thrilling rivalry for the coveted trophy.

