Statues stand as symbols of excellence, honoring figures whose contributions transcend their time on the field. At Boise State, conversations are beginning to emerge about whether star running back Ashton Jeanty has already earned that level of recognition.
Jeanty’s impact on the Broncos has been undeniable. A Maxwell Award winner — awarded to the best running back in the country — Heisman Award runner-up and the second all-time rushing leader in NCAA history, his resume speaks for itself. But does that warrant a statue? And if so, when?
The discussion around immortalizing Jeanty in bronze is about more than just one player; it’s about Boise State’s approach to legacy, recognition and the criteria that defines greatness.
The discussion isn’t just about stats or accolades; it’s about what Jeanty represents.
“I think awards shouldn’t be based on players winning national championships but based on the legacy that they leave,” said Ryan Tesch, president of The Corral, Boise State’s student-led fan section. “It’s cool and all for players to win awards and trophies, but at the end of the day, it’s about how they’re going to be remembered.”
That memory, for Boise State fans, is already cemented in moments of brilliance. Jeanty’s dominant performances helped propel the Broncos to their first-ever College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance, an achievement that rewrote school history.
His decision to stay at Boise State, despite more lucrative opportunities elsewhere, only further solidified his standing as a fan favorite.
Statues are more than just bronze figures standing outside stadiums, they are symbols of legacy, permanence and the stories that define a program.
At Boise State, the idea of installing a statue isn’t taken lightly. Legends like Kellen Moore and Chris Petersen remain without one, and yet, the conversation surrounding Ashton Jeanty has already begun. The sophomore running back’s impact has been so profound,some believe his place among Boise State’s greats is already secured.
Dominic Iglesias, vice president of The Corral, believes Jeanty embodies everything Boise State stands for.
“When we talk about Boise State legends, we usually go back to guys like Kellen Moore, Ian Johnson, guys who had those iconic moments,” Iglesias said. “But Ashton’s in that conversation now, and he’s still here. That’s what makes this such an interesting discussion.”
Boise State has long prided itself on an underdog mentality. Players who embrace that mindset, who don’t just chase individual success but elevate the program as a whole, tend to leave lasting impressions.
Iglesias sees Jeanty as someone who fits that mold perfectly.
“The thing with a statue is that it represents more than just individual success. It’s about impact. When you look at the kind of season Ashton had, yeah, that’s historic. But what he did for Boise State as a program? As a community? That’s what makes this conversation worth having,” he said.
The university has been slow to immortalize its football greats. Even the most successful figures in program history, Moore, Petersen and Johnson, have yet to be honored with statues. But Tesch believes the time might be right to start a new tradition.
“It would be a nice way to honor the football program,” he said. “Keep boosting it up, keep driving future enrollment.”
Jeanty’s story isn’t just about football. It’s about commitment to a program, a school and a fan base that has embraced him. His decision to stay at Boise State at a time when college football has become dominated by NIL deals and transfer portal chaos speaks to a level of loyalty that is increasingly rare.
Cody Gougler, Boise State’s senior associate athletic director for external affairs, acknowledges legacy recognition is an evolving discussion within the athletic department. He emphasized while no decision has been made on a statue, the university is actively reimagining how it honors its greatest athletes.
“We do have the appropriate structure in place to consider these things,” Gougler said. “There are other student-athletes and coaches who have left a legacy as well. But when you look at what Ashton accomplished, helping us get to the CFP’s for the first time in school history, you can argue he’s in that conversation.”
With the evident fan enthusiasm for honoring Jeanty, Gouglar explained the athletic department is in the process of defining its approach to legacy recognition.
“We have internal dialogue within our athletic department,” he said. “There’s a committee being reimagined to set benchmarks on what legacy recognition looks like, whether that be a jersey retirement or a statue.”
So, where does that leave the possibility of a statue for Jeanty?
Boise State’s history suggests such recognition is typically reserved for those who have long since moved on from the program. Yet, Jeanty’s career already feels legendary; his story is one that will be told for years to come.
As Jeanty enters the National Football League draft as a projected first-round pick, it’s not clear yet how he will do in his professional career, but what is clear is Jeanty has already etched his name in Boise State history.
It may take some time and clarity to determine how Boise State will honor Jeanty, but it should be a major consideration for the future.
This Post Has One Comment
I’d love to see a statue of Jeanty up. But Kellen and Pete have to be there first. A CFP run is incredible. But Kellen and Pete are a huge reason we have a CFP at all now. Jeanty is incredible and certainly pushed the legacy forward, but the legacy was already there.