Every year the top player in college football is granted the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award in the sport.
The Heisman Trophy Trust presents the award which officially invites the four finalists to New York City for a ceremony on Dec. 14.
This year, four Heisman Trophy candidates have taken over the top of the betting watchlist week by week: Travis Hunter (University of Colorado wide receiver/defensive back), Ashton Jeanty (Boise State running back), Cameron Ward (University of Miami quarterback) and Dillon Gabriel (University of Oregon quarterback).
A win for Hunter or Jeanty would be huge, since a non-quarterback hasn’t earned the Heisman since Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith took the prize in 2020. Twenty out of the 24 Heisman winners this century were quarterbacks.
Additionally, Jeanty earning the trophy would not only mark the first running back winner since Alabama’s Derrick Henry in 2015 (still one of the NFL’s top running backs, now with the Baltimore Ravens), he would also be the first Group of Five team player to earn this honor since former Navy quarterback, Roger Staubach in 1963.
The top four individuals that receive the most votes from fans determine the finalists. Fans have the opportunity to cast their vote daily for their favorite Heisman Trophy candidate at the Nissan Heisman House. Voting ends in early December.
Week 12 Heisman Poll:
- Travis Hunter (Colorado) -115
- Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) +360
- Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) +360
- Cameron Ward (UMiami) +800
- Kurtis Rourke (Indiana) +1400
- Jalen Milroe (Alabama) +2500
- Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) +2500
- Quinn Ewers (Texas) +5000
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) +5000
- Cade Klubnik (Clemson) +10000
Keep an eye out for these top four Heisman Trophy candidates in this tight race:
Travis Hunter: No. 18 Colorado Buffaloes (-115)
- Wide receiver / defensive back
- Junior
Hunter immediately stands out, playing both sides of the ball and playing for a nationally recognized team, due to Coach Prime — a docuseries highlighting the Buffaloes Head Coach, Deion Sanders.
Hunter is on track to win the Biletnikoff Award (best receiver in the nation) and the Thorpe Award (best defensive back in the nation).
In addition the Buffaloes are a favored team to win the Big 12, which will give Hunter exposure in his favor.
Hunter rose to the top of the watchlist early on in the year until falling significantly after a brief shoulder injury. However, Hunter bounced back and stands as the #1 contender with nine receiving touchdowns (sixth nationally), 69 receptions (sixth nationally) and 856 receiving yards (11th nationally).
The Buffaloes take on the University of Utah on Nov. 16.
Ashton Jeanty: No. 13 Boise Broncos (+360)
- Running back
- Junior
Jeanty is having one of the greatest seasons for a running back in college football history behind Barry Sanders. Sanders established the greatest single-season rushing record (2,628 yards) in the NCAA in 1988.
Within nine games, Jeanty has totaled 1,734 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns and 224 carries. With three games remaining, Jeanty could surpass or come close to the all-time rushing record for a NCAA running back, which could be what he needs to earn the Heisman Trophy.
Boise State plays at San Jose State on Nov. 16.
Dillon Gabriel: No. 1 Oregon Ducks (+360)
- Quarterback
- Senior
Garbiel is in a solid position for the award considering he’s the top player on the number one team in the NCAA. Not only is Oregon on a clear path to winning the Big 10 but they also have a shot at winning the national championship.
Gabriel has stayed consistent with two games away from an undefeated season and a completion rate of 74.3%. He currently stands at 2,848 yards, 22 passing touchdowns and five interceptions.
Next up, the Ducks play University of Wisconsin on Nov. 16.
Cameron Ward: No. 12 Miami Hurricanes (+800)
- Quarterback
- Senior
Ward went down on the leaderboard this week after falling to Georgia Tech 28-23, marking the Hurricanes first loss of the season. Although Ward remains in the top four, a loss to a weaker team doesn’t help his Heisman odds.
However, Ward still continues to put up strong numbers with a total of 3,484 yards, 32 touchdowns and six interceptions thus far.
University of Miami competes against Wake Forest University on Nov. 23.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner will be announced on Dec. 9, and the televised Heisman Trophy Ceremony presented by Nissan will air on Dec. 14 on ESPN.
