With roughly half of the 2024 College Football season concluded, we’re beginning to have a better idea as to who could potentially win the Heisman Trophy. According to FanDuel Sportsbook (as of Halloween), there are four names specifically standing out against the rest as heavy favorites:
1. Travis Hunter — Colorado (+200)
It’s truly impressive how dominant Hunter is on both sides of the ball. One could make the argument that if he committed to one side, he’d be the best at that position. This writer contends that it might not even matter at this point. There’s not a more gifted corner in all of College Football at this point. Hunter is rarely challenged by opposing teams. Even then, he’s accrued seven pass deflections and two interceptions.
As a receiver, Hunter has already set career highs in catches (60), receiving yards (757), and TDs (8). There’s no doubt he’ll eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. Assuming this happens, it would be somewhat surprising if he didn’t win the award.
2. Dillon Gabriel — Oregon (+250)
Gabriel deserves his flowers as the leader of the nation’s No. 1 team (as of 10/31). The 8-0 Oregon Ducks are set to hit the road with a contest at Michigan this upcoming weekend. Simply put, Gabriel has been highly efficient in throwing the football and engineering the offense.
Gabriel has a solid 18:5 TD:INT ratio. He’s completing an absurd 76.2 percent of his pass attempts. In the process, he’s also already thrown for 2,371 yards. Assuming he stays healthy, Gabriel figures to be the main competitor in trying to beat out Hunter for the award. Voters might be swayed Gabriel’s way should Oregon remain undefeated in the regular season.
3. Cam Ward — Miami (+300)
Right behind Hunter and Gabriel is Ward. The Washington State transfer had totally helped in transforming 8-0 Miami into a National Title contender. He had the reputation as a highly accurate signal-caller from his days on the Palouse. Ward has more than lived up to it — throwing 24 TD passes to only 5 INTs through eight games. He’s completed a career-high 68 percent of his passes on the year thus far to go along with 2,746 yards through the air.
Like Gabriel, his team’s standing could go a long way toward deciding where Ward finishes ultimately in the race. With Miami having a somewhat easy schedule down the stretch, a Hurricanes’ perfect season could coincide with Ward taking home some major hardware.
4. Ashton Jeanty — Boise State (+450)
Jeanty has had a marvelous year up until this point. The Texas native has effectively carried Boise State to a 6-1 record. Jeanty has rushed for at least 127 yards in every single game this season. This has included a 267-yard/six-touchdown performance in the opener versus Georgia Southern, and a 259-yard/four-touchdown effort against Washington State.
Through seven games, Jeanty has already rushed for 1,376 yards and 18 TDs on an insane 8.7 yards-per-carry average. Unfortunately for him, he might get dinged not playing in a Power 4 conference. We’d love for Jeanty to somehow lead Boise State to the Playoffs in order to see him compete versus some bigger programs. He should get real consideration for what could very well turn into a 2,000-yard campaign.
