Ashton Jeanty or Travis Hunter at the top of the Heisman race ahead of conference championship weekend?
1. Ashton Jeanty | Boise State RB | Junior | Last week: 1
The level of play for Boise State star Ashton Jeanty has not declined despite handling massive workloads all year. He’s coming off a 37-carry, 226-yard, one-touchdown performance in a 34-18 win over Oregon State, with the Broncos now set to face UNLV in the Mountain West Championship this Friday night—so he has one more opportunity to impress the voters.
Season stats:
312 CAR | 2,288 RUSH YDS | 28 RUSH TD | 7.3 AVG
18 REC | 102 REC YDS | 1 REC TD | 5.7 AVG
2. Travis Hunter | Colorado WR/CB | Junior | Last week: 2
However, Travis Hunter has become the overwhelming Heisman favorite after three touchdown catches and an interception in a blowout victory over Oklahoma State—and that seems unlikely to change with one game left for Jeanty. While it should arguably remain open, Hunter certainly played like the Heisman all year with 15 touchdowns on offense and top-tier play (including four interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and a clutch forced fumble) on defense.
Season stats:
92 REC | 1,152 REC YDS | 14 REC TD | 12.5 AVG
2 CAR | 5 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 2.5 AVG
32 TKL | 1 TFL | 1 FF | 4 INT | 11 PD
3. Dillon Gabriel | Oregon QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: 4 (+1)
The question after what should be a clear top two is what happens with the Heisman finalists. Oregon is the only unbeaten team in the nation, and Dillon Gabriel has been the steady hand leading the way throughout the season. He’s probably safe to make it to New York and would undoubtedly lock it up if the Ducks win the Big Ten this weekend.
Season stats:
73.5% | 3,275 PASS YDS | 24 PASS TD | 6 INT
57 CAR | 175 RUSH YDS | 7 RUSH TD | 3.1 AVG
4. Jalen Milroe | Alabama QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: 5 (+1)
The next two spots in particular can be flipped, and you can include Miami quarterback Cam Ward in the mix, too. But Jalen Milroe again ran for three touchdowns in the Iron Bowl, putting Alabama in position for a potential College Football Playoff berth.
Season stats:
65.9% | 2,652 PASS YDS | 15 PASS TD | 10 INT
152 CAR | 719 RUSH YDS | 20 RUSH TD | 4.7 AVG
5. Shedeur Sanders | Colorado QB | Senior | Last week: NR
Shedeur Sanders went out in Boulder the right way, throwing for 438 yards and five touchdowns while making a very compelling case to be a Heisman finalist. Shedeur totaled 39 touchdowns this season, and the Buffaloes surpassed the low outside expectations of many. Sanders was a huge part of that.
Season stats:
74.2% | 3,926 PASS YDS | 35 PASS TD | 8 INT
91 CAR | -16 RUSH YDS | 4 RUSH TD | -0.2 AVG