Judging the early-season Heisman race is very difficult. There are many options that could make this initial top five, which attempted to strike a balance between the preseason odds and on-field performances to begin the season.
1. Jalen Milroe | Alabama QB | Junior (RS)
Alabama blew out Western Kentucky, 63-0, and the outing included easy big plays for quarterback Jalen Milroe, who was 7/9 for 200 yards and three passing touchdowns along with 79 yards and two rushing scores. We could see a bunch of five- and six-touchdown outings from the dynamic dual threat in 2024.
2. Tetairoa McMillan | Arizona WR | Junior
Big Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan started the season red-hot, with an insane ten-reception, 304-yard, four-touchdown performance against New Mexico. T-Mac is one of the top weapons in the nation, and quarterback Noah Fifita can get him the rock.
3. Travis Hunter | Colorado WR/CB | Junior
Travis Hunter played 129 snaps in Colorado’s hard-fought win versus North Dakota State, catching three of Shedeur Sanders’ four touchdowns. Hunter is basically a human highlight reel, and his rare two-way ability should undoubtedly keep him in the Heisman race this season.
4. Ashton Jeanty | Boise State RB | Junior
Immediate video-game numbers were recorded by Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who carried 20 times for 267 yards and six touchdowns in a 56-45 win against Georgia Southern. To break two 75-yard touchdown runs in one game—let alone the season opener—is wild.
5. Jaxson Dart | Ole Miss QB | Senior
Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Cam Ward are other quarterbacks with strong opening games that can be included in the initial top five after one full week. However, Jaxson Dart had as many touchdowns as incompletions (five) and added a touchdown on the ground while Ole Miss rolled to victory over Furman. Dart will put up numbers in Lane Kiffin’s offense.