By Skeeter Smith
I firmly believe that the Heisman shouldn’t be just a quarterback award but given to the actual best player in college football. Whether it’s a wide receiver or even an offensive lineman, if that player is clearly a cut above the rest, they should get the award. While we will never see the day a lineman wins the award, I do believe there are many players around the country who aren’t signal callers that could very well end up with the prestigious honor this upcoming season.
Ollie Gordon II, RB – Oklahoma St.
There was no question that the best running back in football resided in Stillwater, Oklahoma, last season. Ollie Gordon rushed for 1,732 yards and scored 21 touchdowns for the Cowboys in 2023, ranking first in yards and second in touchdowns among FBS players. What makes this all the more impressive is that Gordon wasn’t used as a true number-one back early in the season, having only gotten a combined 19 carries in the first three games.
After getting just three carries for 12 yards in week three vs. South Alabama, Gordon would go on to rush for over 100 yards in the next 6 games. Coming off a season where they made the Big 12 championship game, there’s a lot of optimism surrounding this Oklahoma St. team with Gordon being the key component of that team.
Luther Burden, WR – Missouri
I don’t think there’s a more talented receiver in college football than Luther Burden heading into the 2024 season. Burden had a breakout year in the SEC, putting up 1,200 yards receiving and nine touchdowns last season, ranking third in the conference in both categories. Burden started off the 2023 season on fire, going for over 100 yards receiving in five of the first six games.
Although his production dropped a bit towards the latter half of the season due to an injury and teams keying in on him, he still made jaw-dropping plays. Starting quarterback Brady Cook will be returning for his senior season, which is good news for Burden as they have built up quite the connection over the past two seasons.
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Travis Hunter, WR/CB – Colorado
People will have their opinions on Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes, but one thing that will always be true is that Travis Hunter is a superstar talent. Hunter will most likely be a first round pick in next year’s draft no matter which side of the ball he decides to play on the next level.
Despite missing three games last season, Hunter was still able to rack up 721 yards and five touchdowns for the Buffaloes. On the defensive side of the ball, he was consistently matched up with the opposing team’s best receivers and recorded three interceptions on the year. The ability to dominate on both sides of the ball will make it nearly impossible for Hunter’s name not to be in the conversation if he can stay healthy and the Buffaloes outperform expectations.
Caleb Downs, S – Ohio State
It’s no secret how special Caleb Downs is on the defensive side of the ball. As a true freshman, Downs led the Alabama Crimson Tide in tackles while also recording two interceptions. After a fantastic season, he was given the Shaun Alexander Award, which is awarded to the best freshman in college football.
Now at Ohio State, it appears that he may have a chance to impact the game in a different way. Head coach Ryan Day recently mentioned that the star transfer has been in meetings with the running back room this offseason. If Downs does end up playing and being effective on the offensive side of the ball, it would surely put his name in some Heisman conversations.
