Boise State’s star running back, Ashton Jeanty, has taken the college football world by storm. As one of the top running backs in the nation and a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, Jeanty is known for his remarkable talent and athleticism. But beyond the statistics and accolades, Jeanty attributes his success and personal growth to something far greater — his faith in Christ.

In a recent interview with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Jeanty opened up about the significant transformation he has undergone, both as a football player and as a man. Reflecting on his journey, he made it clear that his faith in God has been the driving force behind his success. “I like to say that I’m a Christian cleverly disguised as an All-American running back,” Jeanty said in a video interview he shared on social media. “I’ve learned that God has blessed me with amazing talents. I’ve just been able to do a lot of great things with it, but at the same time, not losing yourself in it and understanding that my identity is in Christ.”

Raised in Texas, Jeanty grew up in a Christian household, but his faith was challenged when he transitioned to college life. During his freshman year at Boise State, he struggled with the pressures of football and the demands of academics, which led him into a “deep depression.” Jeanty candidly shared how he felt lost and disconnected from God during that difficult time. However, it was this very struggle that prompted him to turn back to his faith and seek a deeper relationship with God. “Once I decided to give my life to Him and change my ways, it’s been an ultimate transformation,” he said.

Jeanty found solace in Boise State’s faith-based community, which he credits for helping him grow spiritually and as an athlete. “I felt that this community has helped me grow tremendously. It’s very welcoming. It’s not forceful. It’s not aggressive in any type of way. It’s the way God would want it to be, and I could see — even before stepping foot on this campus — that God had His hands on this program. I could see that Christianity was a big thing here and that guys were real big on their faith.”

The results of this transformation have been evident on the field. Jeanty’s freshman year showed promise, as he rushed for 821 yards and seven touchdowns. But his breakout season came the following year, when he rushed for an impressive 1,347 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, averaging over 110 yards per game. This year, he has elevated his performance to a whole new level, leading the nation in multiple categories, including rushing yards (1,031), rushing touchdowns (16), and yards per carry (10.85). His consistent dominance on the field has solidified him as the top Heisman candidate, and his rise continues to captivate fans and analysts alike.

Yet, for Jeanty, his accomplishments on the field are just a part of his story. His faith in Christ remains the central focus of his life. “You don’t have to be perfect to come to God, but all you have to do is trust in Him and have faith in Him, and He will change your life,” Jeanty said, offering words of encouragement to others. “I feel that everything that I’m doing now is because of that. Obviously, I’ve been able to do some great things on the field, but beyond that, He’s changed my life. He’s changed my views, my personality. I felt that I wasn’t really a man before. I was just a boy. But now I feel as I’m a man and a man of God.”