The excitement is building as we approach the 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony, set to take place in just two weeks. With the regular college football season winding down and Championship Saturday on the horizon, players vying for this prestigious award have limited opportunities to make their case to the voters.
Current Heisman Trophy candidates
As we head into college football’s Week 14, the race for the Heisman Trophy has primarily narrowed down to two standout players: Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter and Boise State’s explosive running back Ashton Jeanty. Other notable contenders include quarterbacks Cameron Ward from Miami and Dillon Gabriel from Oregon.
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
2024 Stats: 82 receptions for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns, 30 total tackles with three interceptions and a forced fumble.
Travis Hunter has been nothing short of sensational this season. The Colorado star plays upwards of 100 snaps per game, contributing significantly on both offense and defense. He leads the Buffaloes in receiving, helping quarterback Shedeur Sanders achieve the best statistical season of his career. One of his most memorable moments came against Baylor, where he made a game-sealing forced fumble in overtime, showcasing his impact on the field.
Hunter has announced his intention to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, making this likely his final season in a Colorado uniform. His remarkable performance, combined with the Buffs’ impressive 8-3 record, explains why he currently holds the top odds for the Heisman Trophy.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
2024 Stats: 275 carries for 2,062 yards with 27 touchdowns, 18 receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown.
Right behind Hunter is Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic rusher known for his speed and explosiveness. He has played a crucial role in leading the Broncos to a 10-1 record, positioning them for a Mountain West title and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Jeanty has already set a school record for rushing yards and is on track to challenge Barry Sanders’ single-season FBS rushing record of 2,628 yards.
With the expanded 12-team playoff format, Jeanty and Boise State have gained national attention. Remarkably, Jeanty turned down numerous NIL opportunities to stay loyal to the Broncos, and his dedication has paid off with a standout season.
Cameron Ward, QB, Miami
2024 Stats: 67.2%, 3,774 yards, 25 touchdowns, seven interceptions. 53 carries for 177 yards and four touchdowns.
Cameron Ward’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After two seasons at Incarnate Word and a stint at Washington State, he arrived at Miami, where he’s having the best season of his career. Under Ward’s leadership, Miami boasts the nation’s top scoring offense, averaging an impressive 44.7 points per game. The Hurricanes are also first in total offense and third in passing.
Miami is on the verge of making its first ACC title game appearance since 2017, and all they need is a win against Syracuse this Saturday. Ward’s performance has been a key factor in Miami’s success this season.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
2024 Stats: 73.8%, 3,066 yards passing, 22 touchdowns, six interceptions. 54 carries for 155 yards and six touchdowns.
Dillon Gabriel’s career has seen him travel from UCF to Oklahoma, and now to Oregon, where he has excelled in his sixth and final year. Gabriel has led the Ducks to an impressive 11-0 record, securing a spot in the Big Ten title game during their inaugural season in the conference. His completion percentage of 73.8% ranks second in the FBS, showcasing his efficiency as a passer.
Gabriel’s experience and skill have made him a standout in the Big Ten, and he continues to impress with his performance on the field.
Heisman Trophy odds 2024
Here’s a look at the current Heisman odds, via BetMGM:
| Player | School | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Travis Hunter | Colorado | -1000 |
| Ashton Jeanty | Boise State | +750 |
| Cam Ward | Miami | +1200 |
| Dillon Gabriel | Oregon | +6600 |
While preseason favorites included quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe from Alabama and Carson Beck from Georgia, the race has tightened as the season progressed. Historically, the Heisman Trophy has favored quarterbacks, with eight of the last ten winners playing that position. However, this year could mark a significant shift, as it appears we may see a non-signal-caller take home the award for the first time since DeVonta Smith won it in 2020.
When is the Heisman Trophy ceremony?
Mark your calendars! The Heisman Trophy will be presented on Dec. 14, just one week after the conference championship games. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ESPN. The finalists invited to the ceremony in New York will be revealed on Dec. 9.
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: ESPN+, Fubo
Heisman Trophy winners history
The Heisman Trophy has a rich history, first awarded in 1935 to Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago. Over the past decade, we have seen numerous incredible talents claim this prestigious honor. Here are the winners from the last ten years:
| Year | Player | Total Votes | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | QB Jayden Daniels, LSU | 2,029 | 328 |
| 2022 | QB Caleb Williams, USC | 2,031 | 611 |
| 2021 | QB Bryce Young, Alabama | 2,311 | 1,357 |
| 2020 | WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama | 1,856 | 669 |
| 2019 | QB Joe Burrow, LSU | 2,608 | 1,846 |
| 2018 | QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma | 2,167 | 296 |
| 2017 | QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma | 2,398 | 1,098 |
| 2016 | QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville | 2,144 | 620 |
| 2015 | RB Derrick Henry, Alabama | 1,832 | 293 |
| 2014 | QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon | 2,534 | 1,284 |
As the countdown to the Heisman Trophy ceremony continues, fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will emerge victorious in this thrilling race. With so much talent on display, it’s sure to be a memorable event!
