The Heisman Trophy race is heating up, and the latest polling reveals a clear frontrunner. According to On3’s national experts, Travis Hunter of Colorado continues to dominate the conversation as the unanimous favorite for the prestigious award. But who else is making waves in this year’s race? Let’s break down the top contenders and their impressive performances.
Travis Hunter: A Versatile Sensation
Every week, it seems like Travis Hunter finds a way to outdo himself. Just when you think he’s reached his peak, he surprises everyone again. In a recent game, he recorded an astonishing 10 catches for 116 yards and three touchdowns on offense, while also contributing defensively with a tackle, an interception, and two pass breakups. Hunter’s ability to excel on both sides of the ball is a rarity in college football, making him a standout candidate for the Heisman Trophy.
Despite his phenomenal season, Hunter will be watching from home this week after Colorado narrowly missed the cut for the conference championship game. Nevertheless, his performance has solidified his status as a likely winner of the Heisman Trophy, marking him as a player who is doing things not seen in the sport for quite some time.
Challengers in the Race
While Hunter is the clear leader, there are other candidates making strong cases for the award. One of them is Jayden Jeanty from Oregon State. Jeanty had another spectacular outing, rushing for 226 yards and a touchdown. His impressive average of 7.3 yards per carry, despite being the focal point of his team’s offense with 312 carries this season, showcases his elite talent. However, it seems increasingly difficult for Jeanty to surpass Hunter’s remarkable achievements.
Another contender, Cam Ward from Miami, has also put up impressive numbers. In a recent game, Ward threw for 349 yards and two touchdowns. With a season total of 4,123 yards passing and 36 touchdowns, his statistics would typically be enough to secure a Heisman win. Unfortunately for Ward, he finds himself in third place behind Hunter and Jeanty, as they continue to deliver jaw-dropping performances week after week.
Other Notable Performances
While Hunter, Jeanty, and Ward are leading the pack, several other players are making their mark in the Heisman race. Dylan Gabriel has been consistently solid for his team, throwing for 3,275 yards and 24 touchdowns, while also rushing for seven touchdowns. His steady performance, while not flashy, keeps him in the conversation.
Then there’s Skattebo from Arizona State, who has been the heart and soul of his team. With back-to-back games featuring three touchdown rushes, including a 21-carry, 177-yard performance against rival Arizona, Skattebo has racked up 1,398 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the season. His ability to elevate his team’s performance makes him a compelling candidate.
Emerging Stars
The dual-threat quarterback Rourke from Indiana has also made headlines, guiding his team to an impressive 11-1 regular season. He capped off his season with a phenomenal game against Purdue, throwing for 349 yards and a staggering six touchdown passes. With a total of 2,827 yards passing and 27 touchdowns, Rourke’s performance cannot be overlooked.
Another player to watch is Leonard from Notre Dame. After a rocky start to the season, Leonard has turned things around dramatically. With 721 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, alongside 2,092 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, he’s become a dual-threat quarterback to reckon with.
Sanders: A Standout Performer
Few have elevated their team’s profile like Shedeur Sanders. His offensive prowess has been evident throughout the season, throwing for a season-high five touchdowns in a 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State. With 3,926 yards passing and 35 touchdowns, Sanders’ numbers are among the best in college football, making him a significant contender for the Heisman.
Playoff Contenders
As the season progresses, Sellers from South Carolina has positioned his team within striking distance of playoff contention. His clutch performance against Clemson, highlighted by a game-winning 20-yard touchdown run, showcases his dual-threat capabilities. With 655 rushing yards and 17 passing touchdowns, Sellers is making a name for himself as a formidable player in the race.
Also Receiving Heisman Trophy Votes
While the frontrunners dominate the conversation, several players are still in the mix, receiving votes for the Heisman Trophy. Notable mentions include:
– QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss – 3 votes
– RB Dylan Sampson, Tennessee – 2 votes
– QB Kevin Jennings, SMU – 2 votes
– WR Ricky White III, UNLV – 2 votes
– WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State – 1 vote
While these players have shown flashes of brilliance, time is running out for them to make a significant impact on the Heisman race. Only Jennings and White have the opportunity to play in conference title games, and it would take extraordinary performances to leap into contention for college football’s most coveted award.
As the season approaches its climax, the race for the Heisman Trophy is shaping up to be one for the ages. With standout performances and emerging stars, college football fans are in for an exciting finish!
