Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, Dillon Gabriel, and Cam Ward Named 2024 Heisman Trophy Finalists
The Heisman Trophy Trust has unveiled the four finalists for the 2024 Heisman Memorial Trophy, the most prestigious individual honor in college football. The finalists—Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, and Miami’s Cam Ward—represent a diverse array of talents, with each making a compelling case for the coveted award.
The Heisman Trophy, named after legendary coach John W. Heisman, is awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding player. This year’s finalists have delivered exceptional performances, dominating in their respective roles and leaving an indelible mark on the 2024 season.
Travis Hunter: The Two-Way Sensation
Colorado Buffaloes’ junior star Travis Hunter has redefined versatility in college football, excelling as both a wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter’s two-way dominance has been a cornerstone for the No. 23-ranked Buffaloes.
- Offense: Hunter hauled in 92 receptions for 1,152 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, showcasing his explosiveness as a pass-catcher.
- Defense: On the other side of the ball, he recorded 31 total tackles, 15 passes defended, and four interceptions. His game-winning forced fumble was a season highlight.
Hunter’s ability to excel on both offense and defense makes him a rare and exceptional candidate in a field typically dominated by quarterbacks and running backs.
Ashton Jeanty: The Record-Breaking Rusher
Boise State’s junior running back Ashton Jeanty has powered the No. 9 Broncos to a standout season, leading the nation in rushing with staggering numbers.
- Rushing Stats: Jeanty amassed 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, both FBS highs.
- Consistency: He rushed for at least 125 yards in 13 consecutive games, the longest streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision since 1996.
- Historical Context: Jeanty’s rushing total is the second-most in a regular season, trailing only 1988 Heisman winner Barry Sanders.
Jeanty’s consistency and record-breaking performances make him one of the strongest contenders for this year’s Heisman.
Dillon Gabriel: The All-Time Touchdown Leader
Oregon Ducks’ senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel has had a historic season, leading the No. 1-ranked team and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NCAA history.
- Passing Stats: Gabriel threw for 3,558 yards and 28 touchdowns while completing an impressive 73.2% of his passes.
- Rushing Contributions: He added 192 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
- Historic Milestone: Gabriel became the FBS all-time touchdown leader with 187 career scores, a testament to his longevity and excellence.
Gabriel’s leadership and prolific offensive production have been pivotal in Oregon’s run to the top of the rankings.
Cam Ward: The Record-Breaking Hurricane
Miami Hurricanes’ senior quarterback Cam Ward has been the driving force behind the No. 13-ranked team’s high-octane offense, setting records along the way.
- Passing Stats: Ward threw for 4,123 yards and an FBS-best 36 touchdowns, a new school record.
- Efficiency: He completed 67.4% of his passes and led the nation’s highest-scoring offense, which averaged 44.2 points per game.
Ward’s ability to consistently light up the scoreboard has made him a standout in a season filled with extraordinary quarterback play.
The Heisman Race: A New Dynamic?
Quarterbacks have historically dominated the Heisman Trophy, winning 12 of the last 15 awards, including last year’s winner, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, the presence of Hunter and Jeanty as finalists introduces a fresh dynamic to this year’s race.
Hunter’s two-way excellence and Jeanty’s record-breaking rushing campaign could challenge the quarterback stranglehold on the Heisman.
The Announcement
The 90th Heisman Trophy ceremony will take place Saturday night in New York City, where one of these four remarkable players will join the ranks of college football immortality.
Stay tuned to see who will take home the most prestigious honor in college football.
