The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college football, representing excellence on and off the field. As the 2024 season ends, the trophy race is heating up, with four candidates in great positions to win. The 2024 Heisman Trophy nominees include four outstanding players: Travis Hunter, Cam Ward, Ashton Jeanty, and Dillon Gabriel. Each of these players has delivered exceptional performances, with Hunter excelling as a rare two-way player for Colorado, Ward showcasing dynamic quarterback play for Miami, Jeanty breaking rushing records at Boise State, and Gabriel leading Oregon to an undefeated season. All four candidates have made their case to claim the trophy, but who should be expected to win?
I think the top two candidates for the 2024 Heisman Trophy are Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter, both of whom have delivered historic seasons. This season, Jeanty has led the nation in rushing yards with an astounding 2,500 yards, and 29 rushing touchdowns. Jeanty has been constantly dominant throughout the season, rushing for over 125 yards in each game on the season. Jeanty is also averaging 7.3 yards per carry, the best in the 2024 season. His season has been compared to a college football legend, Barry Sanders, whose season rushing record could be broken this season by Jeanty.
Travis Hunter, a two-way player for Colorado, has redefined versatility in college football. Playing over 1,200 snaps this season, he has excelled as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. On offense, Hunter has recorded 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, while defensively, he’s logged 31 tackles, four interceptions, and 11 pass deflections. Hunter’s rare combination of skills and athleticism is causing fans to compare him to former Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, a former Michigan Wolverine, who also was a two-way player.
While both Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter have delivered remarkable seasons, Hunter’s unique versatility and impact on both sides of the ball may give him the edge in the 2024 Heisman Trophy race. Hunter’s ability to excel as both a wide receiver and a cornerback, logging over 1,200 snaps, is unprecedented in modern college football. Because of this, voters may be swayed by Hunter’s narrative as a once-in-a-generation talent who has redefined what is possible in college football. While Jeanty’s historic rushing season is undeniably impressive, Heisman’s tendency to favor versatility and game-changing performances on multiple fronts could make Hunter the favorite to take home the trophy in 2024.
