If there were an Oscar equivalent for college football, the Heisman Trophy would be its Best Actor.
Every year, fans are left speechless as one player astonishes with highlight reels, game-winning plays, and jaw-dropping numbers. It’s not just a chunk of bronze—it’s a legacy-maker. And in 2024, that legacy belonged to a player who did it all—literally.
Who Won the 2024 Heisman Trophy?
Colorado’s do-everything two-way phenomenon, Travis Hunter, is your 2024 Heisman winner.
In a world where players specialize in doing one thing only, Hunter bucked that trend by winning as the first full-time two-way Heisman winner since Charles Woodson in 1997. Splitting time playing shutdown cornerback and game-altering wide receiver, Hunter took practically every snap with a godlike energy level.
Offensively, he hauled in 61 catches for 893 yards and 7 touchdowns, burning secondaries week after week. On defense, he locked down receivers, posted 43 tackles, and intercepted 4 passes, often shadowing the opponent’s top threat. Sprinkle in some electric returns on special teams, and you’ve got a player who never left the field—and never left fans bored.
“Travis Hunter is three men in one,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said. “He’s the heart and soul of this team.”
Hunter’s win was also symbolic for Colorado football, which had struggled in recent years. With Coach Prime’s bold vision and Hunter’s elite talent, the Buffaloes are now on the national map.
Who Won the Heisman in 2020-23?
2023: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
Prior to Hunter illuminating 2024, LSU’s Jayden Daniels mesmerized in 2023. Daniels produced one of the most impactful dual-threat quarterback campaigns in modern-day college football history.
He threw for over 3,800 yards with 40 scores and only 4 interceptions. That was merely the first half of the story—Daniels rushed for 1,134 yards and also contributed 10 rushing touchdowns.
He was only the third LSU player to ever receive the Heisman, joining the greats Billy Cannon and Joe Burrow. Daniels spearheaded the Tigers to headline-grabbing victories and brought flash and composure to every play.
“It means everything,” Daniels stated during his acceptance speech. “It’s a testament to the hard work, my teammates, and my coaches who believed in me.”
2022: QB Caleb Williams, USC
In 2022, USC’s Caleb Williams provided the type of season that will never die in highlight reels. With 4,537 yards through the air and 42 touchdowns, Williams outran defenders, tore down blitzes, and danced his way into Trojan lore. Williams led USC to an 11-2 finish and rejuvenated a program that hungered for greatness.
His playing was poetry in motion—he improvised like a jazz musician, never missing a beat. His swagger, vision, and ability to make magic from outside the pocket rendered him the sport’s greatest individual award winner.
“Winning the Heisman is a dream come true,” Williams said. “But it’s just the beginning.”
2021: QB Bryce Young, Alabama
Alabama has a rich Heisman history, but Bryce Young pioneered new territory in 2021 when he became the first Crimson Tide quarterback to win the award. His 4,872 passing yards and 47 touchdowns were not an accident—Young was precise, calm, and almost unflappable.
He led Alabama to an SEC title and a spot in the national championship game, showcasing leadership beyond his years. Whether picking apart defenses or making clutch throws, Young was the ultimate maestro.
“I’ve always tried to stay humble and let my work speak,” Young said. “This award means a lot, but it’s a team honor, too.”
2020: WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
In 2020, DeVonta Smith reminded the football world that wide receivers aren’t finished being scene-stealers. The Alabama standout was the first WR Heisman winner since Desmond Howard in 1991—and he did it in cinematic style. Smith caught 1,856 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, easily torching secondaries.
His routes were crisp, his hands were firm, and his big-play ability made him a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare. He also worked as a return specialist, demonstrating that he could affect the game in multiple different ways.
“All I ever wanted was a chance,” Smith tearfully said during his speech. “This means the world.”
MORE READING: Breaking Down the Top 5 Potential 2025-26 Heisman Trophy Contenders
As college football continues to morph with NIL, the transfer portal, and constantly changing offenses, the Heisman is a beacon of stability, a reminder that greatness is still, really, all about individual genius. And if recent history’s any guide, then the future’s bright—and likely full of even more jaw-dropping performances.
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