College football’s awards week draws to a close on Saturday night with the Heisman Trophy presentation. Four players will be present in New York to learn if they’ve been named college football’s most outstanding player.
This quartet of players has stood above the rest this season. Who are the Heisman finalists?
Who Are the 2024 Heisman Trophy Finalists?
- Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes
- Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon Ducks
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos
- Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado Buffaloes
Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes
Cam Ward was lightly recruited out of high school, landing at FCS Incarnate Word. After two seasons, Ward had proved himself worthy and transferred up to the FBS level to play for the Washington State Cougars. Then, once again, he transferred, but this time as one of the most coveted players in the country.
MORE: Why Cam Ward Should Win the Heisman
He ended up with the Miami Hurricanes, where he finished second in passing yardage and first in passing touchdowns for a Miami team that came a few plays shy of making the College Football Playoff.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon Ducks
Despite the expanded College Football Playoff, only two Heisman finalists actually made the postseason. Dillon Gabriel was cool, calm, and collected all season as he led the Ducks to wins over three College Football Playoff teams.
MORE: Why Dillon Gabriel Should Win the Heisman
Gabriel is the engine that makes the only undefeated team in the country go. He threw for over 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns with just six interceptions all season. His raw numbers have been bested by others, but Gabriel led the nation’s best team to an undefeated record against a difficult schedule.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos
The last player who won the Heisman Trophy on a team that is not currently in a power conference (in 2024) was Navy’s Roger Staubach in 1963. Ashton Jeanty has a chance to break that streak.
MORE: Why Ashton Jeanty Should Win the Heisman
Jeanty has been the nation’s best running back by a wide margin, running for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns this season despite sitting out multiple quarters of several blowouts. Jeanty has run for at least 127 yards in every game this season and could break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing mark with a solid game or two in the College Football Playoff.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado Buffaloes
Travis Hunter is seeking to become the first two-way player to win the Heisman Trophy since Charles Woodson won the award in 1997. Unlike Woodson, Hunter is a full-time two-way player, winning both the Biletnikoff and Bednarik Awards for being the top wide receiver and defender, respectively.
MORE: Why Travis Hunter Should Win the Heisman
Hunter logged over 1,400 snaps, catching 14 touchdowns and picking off four passes this season. Hunter is a projected top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Buffaloes standout is the favorite to win the award, according to most sportsbooks, probably because he’s done things this season we haven’t seen in decades.
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