"Wide open": ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit breaks down Ashton Jeanty's Heisman chances amidst Travis Hunter beef

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit has offered insight into this season's Heisman Trophy frontrunners. The analyst said that the coveted award is still up for grabs entering the second half of the 2024 college football regular season.

During an appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Thursday, Herbstreit discussed the race for the Heisman award. He talked about Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty's chances and why he is a contender.

“The Heisman this year is wide open," Hebrstreit said (timestamp 1:00). "Typically, it goes to the best player on an undefeated team that’s a high-profile team. But if you look around, we just don’t have that obvious name on one of the top five, top seven teams in the country. So it’s not a shock that he (Jeanty) is up there in the mix."

Herbstreit heaped praise on Jeanty only a day after Colorado's Travis Hunter declared himself as the favorite to win the Heisman. Hunter spoke on the "Outta Pocket with RGIII" podcast and pointed out that his two-way ability holds more value than Jeanty's offensive game.

Hunter has racked up 587 yards on 49 receptions and has caught six touchdowns as a wideout. He also has 18 tackles, three passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble across six games as a cornerback for Colorado.

Kirk Herbstreit explains how consistency can land Ashton Jeanty the Heisman this year

While continuing on the Heisman debate, Kirk Herbstreit referred to the fact that quarterbacks often win the award. However, he also suggested that if Jeanty continues to impress, he will have an even stronger chance.

“And you look at all these other names, Dillon Gabriel really helped himself last week in a game against Ohio State with that high stakes stage that he had,” Herbstreit added.

“But I think Jeanty’s right there and if he keeps playing well, he’s going to get more and more attention. They’re going to win a lot of football games and probably get in the playoff. So I think he and his team are doing everything they can to give him a legitimate shot.”

Jeanty has racked up a staggering 1,248 yards on 126 carries and rushed for 17 touchdowns this season. He also has 39 yards on nine receptions and has caught one touchdown across six games, helping Boise State to a 5-1 record.

The Broncos have an open week in Week 8 but will resume action against UNLV on Oct. 25.