By my unofficial estimation, the race has narrowed to four competitors. With only two to three games remaining for these players before the Heisman ceremony on December 14, it is only two competitors (barring end of season injuries or meltdowns) who are vying for the esteemed honor.
Ashton Jeanty of the Boise State Broncos and Travis Hunter of the Colorado Buffaloes.
This is not to discount the fine play of the other two among the final four. Simply, Jeanty and Hunter have delivered outstanding performances, smashing and jetting their way to the front of the pack.
Ashton Jeanty
The junior running back is running at a record pace. Jeanty has already smashed numerous single season and school records for the 13th-ranked Boise State Broncos (9-1), adding to the list in passing Jay Ajayi for the single-season rushing yards leader.
With the potential of playing in at least four more games in '24, Jeanty still has the potential to pass Barry Sanders for the season record at a national level, which Sanders set in 1988 with 2628 yards.
Jeanty currently leads the nation in rushing touchdowns (26) and yards (1,893), averaging 7.4 yards per carry. Boise State has also found ways to get Jeanty involved in the passing game, where he has 17 catches for 98 yards.
Five times this season Jeanty has scored three or more touchdowns. Plus, Jeanty has totaled 200 or more rushing yards in four games. His lowest output was 127 yards, playing in only one half against Portland State. UNLV has had the most success, limiting Jeanty to 128 yards on 33 carries.
Jeanty is getting plenty of attention but with this type of season, I feel it should be much more. Still, he has a chance to punctuate the season in style and to be among the top players at this point is quite an achievement.
Upcoming: @ Wyoming (11/23), vs Oregon State (11/29), potential MW title game
Travis Hunter
Hunter is receiving the most hype among these four players. Part of that is because he plays in the Big 12 and plays for head coach Deion Sanders, leading to more national attention. Of course, it is the fact that he excels on both sides of the ball, rarely taking plays off, that has Hunter as the favorite in many circles.
In aiming to duplicate the feat of Charles Woodson, who won the Heisman as a two-way player in 1997, Hunter is putting in the work for the 17th-ranked Colorado Buffaloes (8-2). Yes, the new iteration of the Big 12, with 16 teams, is having a down year. But the Buffs find themselves tied for first and Hunter is a huge reason for that.
Hunter has 74 receptions, placing him sixth in the FBS to go along with 911 yards (14th) and 9 touchdowns (t-8th). These numbers alone would get him general head nod approval. Throw in the stats on defense and it is all more impressive what he is doing.
Hunter's eight pass deflections lead the team, and he also has 23 tackles, three interceptions, and one forced fumble.
One of Hunter's best games was 9-catch, 153-yard, and 2-touchdown effort in a victory over Cincinnati. Hunter also has five games in which he recorded nine or more receptions and five games with over 100 yards receiving.
Playing at an elevated level on both sides of the ball is something to take pride in. And Hunter is certainly doing that, which could very well propel him to the top when all is said and done.
Upcoming: @ Kansas (11/23), vs Okla. St. (11/29), potential Big 12 title game
Cam Ward
Cam Ward for the ninth-ranked Miami Hurricanes (9-1) has consistently been the best quarterback this season. Ward ranks first in yards (3,494) and touchdown passes (32) while completing 66.8 percent of his passes and throwing only six interceptions.
Miami took a step back with a recent loss to Georgia Tech but Ward continues to thrive.
In his last two games, Ward was 50-80 for 748 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception. In 2024, Ward has only one game in which he threw for under 300 yards and zero touchdowns, both in a victory over Florida State.
Ward, in any other season, thanks to his status as a quarterback, would be the front runner for the Heisman. He still has a chance to rise to the top if Jeanty and Hunter fall off to end November.
Upcoming: vs Wake Forest (11/23), @ Syracuse (11/30), potential ACC title game
Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel has the pleasure of quarterbacking the top team in the nation with the undefeated Oregon Ducks (11-0). Honestly, I haven't thought much of him as a Heisman contender this season. Gabriel is good but not overwhelming, though clutch play late in games has propelled him into this conversation.
The Ducks have won three games this season by three points or less.
Gabriel has passed for 3,066 yards and completed 73.8 percent of his pass attempts, with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. Gabriel also has six touchdowns on the ground.
The super-senior has only two games of 300+ yards and most touchdowns in a game this season is three. In the last two games, Gabriel is 45-65 for 401 yards, three touchdowns, and a pick.
Gabriel, with the Ducks having an upcoming bye week, may not have enough opportunities to make one final push for the Heisman. However, consideration is on the table if he plays well, and the Ducks finish undefeated.
Upcoming: vs Washington (11/30), potential Big Ten title game
Other players to be considered, though the chance remains slim they make a huge move to lock down the award:
- Jalen Milroe (QB - Alabama)
- Jaxson Dart (QB - Ole Miss)
- Shadeur Sanders (QB - Colorado)
photo image: Picpedia
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