By Cole Kruger
In today’s Fact or Fiction, I look at three big recent topics in college football and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
1. RB Ollie Gordon II is a Heisman Trophy frontrunner
My take: FICTION
Last season, Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II was one of the best running backs we have seen in many years. Coming into this season at Oklahoma State, the expectations are sky-high. Fans are even including him in the 2024 Heisman conversation, some speculating that he will be the first non-QB with a legit chance to win since DeVonta Smith in 2020. Statistically speaking it is possible as Gordon ran for 1,700 yards last season, averaging 6.1 yards a carry. With the expansion of the Big 12, more eyes will be on Gordon this year, and he is expected to be the star of this year’s Cowboys team.
But, you have to think that even if Gordon can exceed his stellar 2023 performance, he would not have a realistic chance at winning the Heisman. With returning quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe and Quinn Ewers, I just can’t imagine a position player contending for the trophy this season. Smith won his Heisman in an odd year without a marquee QB having a monster year aside from his own signal caller in Mac Jones. That usually doesn’t happen and won’t this season.
2. QB Cam Ward will lead the Miami Hurricanes to a top ACC finish
My take: FACT
The Miami Hurricanes have struggled at the quarterback position in the Mario Cristobal era. Last year, Tyler Van Dyke struggled late in the season and transferred to Wisconsin. Cristobal entered the offseason eyeing a transfer and landing Reese Poffenbarger from Albany. But the Canes’ real target was Cam Ward, who declared for the draft in January. But less than two weeks later, Cristobal was able to lure Ward out of the draft and into Coral Gables.
Ward is coming in from Washington State where he had 3,700 yards passing and 33 touchdowns last season. Ward’s success followed him to Miami, as he threw 19-24 for 324 yards and 3 touchdowns in the spring game, leading the Hurricanes and their fans to be even more optimistic than before. After years of crushed dreams for Canes’ fans, Ward could finally be the one to bring Miami back to prominence. In a must-win year for Mario Cristobal, Ward will provide production at the quarterback position Miami hasn’t seen in years. With experienced receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George and a weakened ACC, this will finally be the year Cristobal and the Canes break through.
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3. KJ Jefferson will thrive at UCF
My take: FACT
UCF’s first year in the Big 12 went about as expected, finishing 7-6. Gus Malzahn has done a good job continuing to build this program as they made the jump to the Big 12. Coming into the offseason, Malzahn looked to the transfer portal to find his quarterback as the team struggled with quarterback play after starter John Rhys Plumlee went down in 2023. Malzahn landed one of the best QBs in the portal in KJ Jefferson, who had success at Arkansas. Known as a bulky, running quarterback, Jefferson should thrive in Malzahn’s offensive scheme. Malzahn is a proven coach who can run a good offensive system with a QB with the style of Jefferson, as Nick Marshall had success at Auburn under Malzahn.
Although this offense and roster aren’t fully built, there is excitement about this run-heavy offensive scheme led by Jefferson. UCF doesn’t have a super difficult schedule and with Jefferson leading this offense, UCF is in for a fun season.
