Championship Week in the books and the Heisman race has concluded, with the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalists to be announced tonight. These three players are likely to be on most ballots as the top three—with heavy debate over the star who should take home the prestigious honor.
1. Ashton Jeanty | Boise State RB | Junior | Last week: 1
The odds shifted slightly toward Ashton Jeanty, giving him somewhat of a realistic shot to win (given how accurate Vegas can be), after he went off again for 209 rushing yards and yet another long touchdown run in Boise State’s Mountain West Championship win against UNLV. Jeanty is at an insane 2,497 rushing yards, which is the second-most in college football history behind Barry Sanders’ all-time mark when not including bowl yards. It’s not like Jeanty was doing this against scrubs, and it must be noted that he had 25 carries for 192 yards and three touchdowns in a three-point loss to the No. 1 team in the country and only unbeaten (Oregon). The dynamic running back has been a major difference-maker on a team that’s earned a conference title and College Football Playoff berth that includes a first-round bye.
Season stats:
344 CAR | 2,497 RUSH YDS | 29 RUSH TD | 7.3 AVG
20 REC | 116 REC YDS | 1 REC TD | 5.8 AVG
2. Travis Hunter | Colorado WR/CB | Junior | Last week: 2
While stat-sheet stuffer is a term that can be aptly applied to two-way sensation Travis Hunter, do not be mistaken: The Colorado star is much more than just someone that’s “out there” on both sides of the ball. The Heisman debate has gotten pretty ridiculous, as Hunter is undoubtedly a star-level player on both offense and defense and would be a worthy Heisman winner for his skill, his performance, and what he stands for as a leader for the Buffaloes.
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: 3
300 total yards and four touchdowns tosses in a Big Ten title game for Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel likely secured him as a top-three choice on just about every Heisman ballot. Gabriel seamlessly took the reins with the Ducks after transferring from Oklahoma, putting up 35 total touchdowns while operating a loaded and deadly offense. There are a few honorable mentions below, but it would be a stunner if Gabriel was not invited to New York as a Heisman finalist.
Season stats:
73.2% | 3,558 PASS YDS | 28 PASS TD | 6 INT
63 CAR | 192 RUSH YDS | 7 RUSH TD | 3.0 AVG
Honorable Mention
Alabama QB Jalen Milroe
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
Miami QB Cam Ward
Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo