Heisman Finalists Stats Revealed: A Deep Dive into Hunter, Jeanty, Gabriel, and Ward

The 2024 Heisman Trophy finalists have been announced, and this year’s lineup is nothing short of intriguing. Featuring one running back, two quarterbacks, and an electrifying wide receiver/cornerback hybrid, these candidates represent a unique mix of talent that makes this year’s race particularly exciting.

Meet the Finalists

Among the finalists, we have Colorado’s dynamic Travis Hunter, who has made a name for himself as a dual-threat player, excelling in both receiving and defense. Then there’s Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, whose standout performance as a running back has put him in the spotlight. On the quarterback front, we have Dillon Gabriel from Oregon and Cam Ward from Miami, both of whom have put up impressive numbers throughout the season.

While the coveted Heisman Trophy is often associated with quarterbacks—similar to how the NFL MVP award tends to favor signal-callers—this year’s finalists remind us that greatness can come from various positions. Hunter and Jeanty are out to challenge the traditional narrative, vying for the prestigious award against two of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football.

Team Success and Playoff Aspirations

All four finalists have had successful seasons, with each of their teams finishing the regular season with a minimum of nine wins. However, only Jeanty’s Broncos (12-1) and Gabriel’s Ducks (13-0) will advance to the College Football Playoff. This achievement not only highlights their individual talents but also underscores the importance of team success in the Heisman race.

Statistical Showdown

When it comes to statistics, the competition is fierce. With four different positions represented among the finalists, voters face a unique challenge. It’s not just about comparing numbers; it’s about determining which player provided the most value to their team and to college football as a whole in 2024.

Jeanty has been a force on the ground, leading all of college football with a staggering 2,497 rushing yards, which is over 800 yards more than his closest competitor. He also tied for first in the nation with 29 rushing touchdowns. In contrast, Hunter has made his mark as a receiver, ranking sixth in the country with 1,152 receiving yards and second with 14 receiving touchdowns. These stats illustrate the diverse skill sets each player brings to the table.

Quarterback Excellence

On the quarterback side, Cam Ward has been nothing short of spectacular, throwing for 4,123 yards, which ranks second in the nation. He also led in passing touchdowns with 36. Gabriel, while slightly behind in total yards with 3,558, still had an impressive season, finishing eighth in passing touchdowns with 28. The ability of these quarterbacks to lead their teams and put up big numbers makes them formidable contenders.

Head-to-Head Matchups

Interestingly, there was only one instance this season where two Heisman finalists faced off directly. In a thrilling early September matchup, Boise State battled Oregon, resulting in a nail-biting 37-34 victory for the Ducks. In that game, Gabriel showcased his dual-threat capabilities with 243 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. Jeanty, despite the loss, had an impressive outing with 192 rushing yards and three touchdowns, proving he could compete at the highest level.

Statistical Breakdown

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of how each finalist performed this season:

Travis Hunter Stats

Receiving

Defense

Ashton Jeanty Stats

Rushing

Receiving

Dillon Gabriel Stats

Passing

Rushing

Cam Ward Stats

Passing

Rushing

As the Heisman Trophy race heats up, fans are left wondering: who will take home the prestigious award? With such a diverse group of finalists, it’s sure to be a thrilling conclusion to the college football season.