By Cole Kruger
Through six weeks of the college football season, we have seen many electric plays and players across the country. Being halfway into the season, the Heisman race is starting to heat up, and the 2024 race for the trophy is shaping up to be must-see TV.
The player often debated as the best in college football is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty entered the season with +15000 odds to win the Heisman, but after six weeks of pure domination, he is now the favorite at +200. Jeanty has put up incredible numbers so far, with 1,031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on just 95 carries, leading the nation in both categories. The last running back to win the Heisman was Derrick Henry in 2015, who rushed for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns—numbers Jeanty could easily surpass. If he wins, Jeanty would be the first player from a non-Power 4 program to claim the Heisman since Roger Staubach in 1963.
Jeanty is easily the best running back in college football, and if he continues to run the football like he has, he could run away with the Heisman.
Obviously, you can’t talk about the Heisman without mentioning quarterbacks. Coming into this season, Carson Beck, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel were considered top contenders for the trophy. However, Beck hasn’t had an ideal start, and neither has Gabriel, resulting in both dropping on the Heisman leaderboard. Milroe was the Heisman favorite after Alabama’s win over Georgia, but following a disappointing loss to Vanderbilt, the hype around Milroe has cooled off.
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The most surprising Heisman riser has been Cam Ward, who has arguably been the best quarterback in the nation. Ward has led the Miami Hurricanes to a 6-0 record so far, ranking sixth in the country. While winning every game, Ward has thrown for 2,219 yards and 20 touchdowns, with just five interceptions. He leads the nation in almost every statistical category, and his odds of winning the Heisman are currently at +500. If Miami wins the ACC and Ward continues to impress, he could not only lead Miami to the playoff but also take home the Heisman Trophy.
How could you talk about playmakers without mentioning Travis Hunter? Hunter is the second-favorite to win the Heisman at +300, and the current favorite to be the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter is must-see television as he plays both sides of the ball. He has 561 yards receiving and six touchdowns, while also having two interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. If he wins, Hunter would be the first receiver to claim the Heisman since DeVonta Smith in 2021 and only the second defensive player to ever win the award, with the last being Charles Woodson in 1997.
Jeanty, Hunter, and Ward are the top three favorites to win the Heisman, but with the competition across the country, we could still see a surprise winner. Nico Iamaleava, Kurtis Rourke, Quinn Ewers, and Jaxson Dart are some other quarterbacks that with great play down the stretch, could also contend for the trophy. The race will be extremely tight this year, and with the level of talent in the mix, it will be exciting to watch.
