As the regular season winds down, the race for the coveted Heisman Trophy is heating up. With only two weeks left, players are making their final pushes to secure their place in college football history. Who will emerge as the frontrunner? The experts at On3 have been closely monitoring the action, and it seems there is a clear favorite in the mix.
Top Heisman Contenders
Let’s dive into the latest rankings from On3’s experts, who have weighed in on the top three players in the Heisman race. Their insights shed light on why these athletes are making headlines and capturing the attention of fans and voters alike.
Travis Hunter: A Dual Threat
1. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
3. QB Cam Ward, Miami
Travis Hunter: Hunter’s performance against Utah was nothing short of spectacular. He made a jaw-dropping fourth-down catch, showcasing his elite receiving skills. But he didn’t stop there; he also snagged an interception and contributed a touchdown to lead Colorado to victory. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball makes him a standout candidate. How often do we see a player who can dominate as a cornerback and a wide receiver?
Ashton Jeanty: The Engine of Boise State
Ashton Jeanty: While Jeanty’s early-season numbers were astronomical, he continues to be the backbone of Boise State’s offense. In their latest game, he rushed for an impressive 159 yards and found the end zone three times. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure are vital as the Broncos push for a playoff spot. Can you imagine a Heisman ballot without Jeanty’s name? It’s hard to picture!
Cam Ward: The Silent Producer
Cam Ward: Although Ward had a bye week, his impact on Miami’s season remains significant. With 3,494 passing yards and 32 touchdowns this year, he has been instrumental in leading one of the top offenses in college football. The Hurricanes are in the thick of the College Football Playoff picture, and they will need Ward to step up in the coming weeks to secure an ACC title. Will he rise to the occasion?
Expert Opinions: A Closer Look
Let’s break down what the experts from On3 are saying about these top contenders.
Andy Staples’ Take
According to Andy Staples, “Travis Hunter is an elite-level player on both sides of the ball.” He believes Hunter embodies the essence of the Heisman Trophy, which goes beyond just statistics. He’s helping Colorado make a legitimate push for the College Football Playoff, and that kind of impact is hard to overlook.
As for Jeanty, Staples notes, “There’s no question that Boise State’s running back is having one of the best seasons we’ve ever seen.” His performance in the latest game solidifies his status as a top contender. Meanwhile, Staples acknowledges Ward’s importance, highlighting that Miami will need him to produce if they want to close out the season strong.
Ari Wasserman’s Perspective
Ari Wasserman echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing Hunter’s special talent. “He’s helping Colorado — yes, Colorado — make a College Football Playoff push,” Wasserman states. He believes Hunter’s unique ability to excel in multiple roles sets him apart from the competition.
Wasserman also praises Jeanty for his remarkable season, pointing out that he rushed for 159 yards and three touchdowns in a recent game. “There’s no such thing as a Heisman Trophy ballot without Jeanty’s name on it,” he asserts.
As for Ward, Wasserman notes that despite Miami’s tough loss to Georgia Tech, Ward’s consistent production keeps him firmly in the Heisman conversation.
Charles Power’s Analysis
Charles Power also ranks Hunter, Jeanty, and Ward in his top three. He highlights Hunter’s ability to defy modern college football norms by making significant contributions on both offense and defense. “We saw his unique ability on display Saturday with acrobatic catches and a key interception,” Power comments.
Jeanty continues to impress, leading Boise State to another comeback victory. His performance solidifies his place as a Heisman contender, and Power believes he is crucial to Boise State’s playoff aspirations.
JD PicKell’s Insights
JD PicKell is equally enthusiastic about Hunter, stating, “Just give Travis Hunter the Heisman Trophy.” He emphasizes Hunter’s impact on the game, even when he doesn’t have a typical 100-yard receiving day. PicKell believes that Hunter’s ability to make big plays is a testament to his Heisman-worthy talent.
Jeanty’s durability is also a focal point for PicKell, noting that he has consistently surpassed 100 yards in recent games. “My man missed the memo he was supposed to wear down in November,” he quips, highlighting Jeanty’s relentless performance.
Ward, despite being idle last week, remains a top contender in PicKell’s eyes. He has consistently outperformed other candidates, and his upcoming games will be crucial for Miami’s championship aspirations.
As the season races toward its climax, the Heisman Trophy race is shaping up to be one for the ages. With standout performances from Hunter, Jeanty, and Ward, the excitement is palpable. Who will ultimately take home college football’s most prestigious individual award? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the next two weeks will be thrilling!
