Four players have been invited to the prestigious Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York this Saturday, and the spotlight is firmly on two of them. Colorado’s dynamic two-way star, Travis Hunter, and Boise State’s standout running back, Ashton Jeanty, are the frontrunners expected to finish at the top of the voting. Both athletes have had remarkable seasons, and their presence at the ceremony is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Joining Hunter and Jeanty are two quarterbacks who took unique paths to their current success: Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Miami’s Cam Ward. Gabriel’s journey has been particularly eventful, having transferred twice—three times if you count his brief commitment to UCLA. On the other hand, Ward started his career at FCS Incarnate Word before making his way to Washington State and ultimately landing in Miami. Both players have shown resilience and talent, making their way into the Heisman conversation.
While the award is widely expected to be a showdown between Hunter and Jeanty, the competition for a coveted invitation to New York was fierce. In fact, several players made compelling cases for why they should have been included among the finalists. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top snubs from Monday’s announcement.
Heisman Trophy snubs 2024
Cam Skattebo
Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo was a notable omission from the Heisman Trophy finalists list, despite an impressive performance in the Sun Devils’ Big 12 championship game victory over Iowa State. Skattebo’s absence from the ceremony is puzzling, especially considering the impact he had on his team’s success.
The case for Skattebo
Skattebo’s journey began at the FCS level with Sacramento State before he transferred to Arizona State, opting for a fresh start instead of reuniting with his former coach at Stanford. This season, he emerged as a powerhouse, racking up 1,568 rushing yards and 506 receiving yards, along with a total of 20 touchdowns. While his numbers may not have matched Jeanty’s, they still placed him among the elite, as he was one of only three FBS players to exceed 2,000 scrimmage yards.
Moreover, Skattebo played a pivotal role in Arizona State’s surprising Big 12 title run, showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes situations. He averaged an astounding 164.7 rushing yards per game over his last three contests, scoring three touchdowns in each game. His late-season surge certainly made a strong case for Heisman consideration.
The case against Skattebo
However, with Jeanty firmly established as the top running back and Hunter a guaranteed finalist, Skattebo faced an uphill battle for a finalist spot, especially against two accomplished quarterbacks. While it’s not fair to label the Heisman as strictly a quarterback award, the reality is that the position often dominates the conversation. Gabriel led Oregon to an undefeated 13-0 season, and Ward accounted for an impressive 40 touchdowns against just seven interceptions.
Despite the Miami Hurricanes missing the playoff, it would have been challenging for Skattebo to leapfrog over the two quarterbacks based on statistics alone.
Shedeur Sanders
Another surprising snub was Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who, despite a strong season, will not be joining Hunter in New York. His father, Deion Sanders, had hoped to see his son recognized alongside his teammate.
The case for Sanders
Sanders may not have received much Heisman buzz throughout the season, but he was instrumental in helping Colorado exceed expectations. He completed 74.2 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,926 yards and accounting for 39 total touchdowns with only eight interceptions. His late-season performance was particularly noteworthy, as he generated 18 total touchdowns against just two interceptions in the final stretch of the season.
Had Colorado contended for the Big 12 title, Sanders might have had a stronger case to be included among the finalists. His numbers were comparable to Ward’s, making it a tough decision for voters.
The case against Sanders
Ultimately, while Sanders had impressive statistics, he fell just short of Ward in key areas, including total yardage and touchdowns. Both quarterbacks played the same number of games, with Ward leading Miami to a 10-2 record compared to Sanders’ 9-3. Additionally, Sanders benefited from throwing to Hunter, a player who is also in the Heisman conversation, which may have worked against him.
Tyler Warren
Penn State tight end Tyler Warren also made a strong case for Heisman consideration but faced stiff competition from other star players.
The case for Warren
Warren’s numbers may not jump off the page at first glance, but he had an outstanding all-around season. Standing at 6-6, he totaled 1,062 receiving yards and six touchdowns, while also contributing 191 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He was the only Power Four tight end to surpass 900 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Warren’s performance improved as the season progressed, averaging 119.5 scrimmage yards over his final four games. His contributions were crucial in securing a College Football Playoff berth for Penn State, particularly his standout games against USC and Minnesota.
The case against Warren
Despite his impressive late-season surge, Warren’s early-season production was inconsistent. He struggled to reach 50 receiving yards in six of his first eight games, making it difficult to justify a finalist spot over players with more consistent performances. A stronger showing in key matchups, especially against top-tier opponents, could have bolstered his case significantly.
As we approach the Heisman Trophy ceremony, the excitement is palpable. Will Travis Hunter or Ashton Jeanty take home the prestigious award? The stage is set, and the anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable night in college football history.
