Who will be named college football's best player? Breaking down Heisman Trophy finalists
The 2024 college football regular season reached something of a climax last Sunday with the reveal of the official bracket for the inaugural edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff.
As the debate rages on over whether SMU should have earned the final at-large spot over Alabama, there’s at least one big event between the playoff selection show and the first playoff game on December 20.
On Saturday night, shortly after the conclusion of the annual Army-Navy game, the Heisman Trophy will be awarded to the individual deemed to be the most outstanding player in college football.
From Travis Hunter to Ashton Jeanty, the 2024 season has been defined by several stars who have wowed fans nationwide and lifted their teams to a slew of accomplishments. Only one of those exceptional players, though, will join a lengthy and distinguished list that includes some of the best, most revered players in college football history by winning a trophy that will be associated with them for the rest of their life.
Who are the players vying for the prestigious honor? Here’s a look at the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalists:
Heisman Trophy finalists
Four players will be making the trip to New York for Saturday’s Heisman Trophy presentation ceremony — Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Miami quarterback Cam Ward.
Jeanty would be the first Boise State player to ever win the Heisman while Colorado, Oregon and Miami all have at least one previous Heisman recipient in their respective histories.
∎ While helping lead coach Deion Sanders’ team to a 9-3 record, Travis Hunter has put together a season unlike any in recent FBS history, logging an overwhelming majority of the Buffaloes’ snaps while playing on both sides of the ball. On offense, he has a team-high 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, while recording 11 passes defended, four interceptions and a forced fumble on defense.
∎ Ashton Jeanty is on the precipice of one of college football’s most storied statistical benchmarks, as his 2,497 yards rank him fourth on the all-time FBS single-reason rushing list, just 131 yards behind Barry Sanders’ longstanding record. He has been efficient, as well, averaging 7.3 yards per carry for a Broncos team that earned a first-round bye in the playoff. Jeanty is aiming to become the first running back to win the Heisman since 2015.
∎ An Oklahoma transfer, Dillon Gabriel has been the most decorated offensive player on the sport’s best team. The sixth-year senior has thrown for 3,558 yards, 28 touchdowns and just six interceptions for the Ducks, the No. 1 seed in the playoff and the lone remaining undefeated team at the FBS level. He also has 192 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
∎ Despite his team stumbling down the stretch – losing two of its final three games to miss out on the playoff – Cam Ward was spectacular for the Hurricanes after transferring in last offseason from Washington State. He has thrown for 4,123 yards, the second-highest mark in the FBS, and an FBS-leading 36 touchdowns.
Interestingly, this is the second-consecutive season in which three of the four Heisman finalists began their college careers elsewhere. Gabriel and Ward are both at their third schools.
Heisman Trophy odds
Over the past several weeks, Hunter has emerged as the betting favorite to win the Heisman.
According to odds from BetMGM, Hunter is at -2500 to take home the award. Jeanty, at +1000, has the next-best odds while Gabriel and Ward are much bigger longshots, with both at +25000.
When will the Heisman Trophy winner be announced?
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
The Heisman Trophy ceremony will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14 beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
The presentation is part of an hour-long program airing on ESPN, with the award typically not handed out until the back half of the broadcast window.
Heisman Trophy winners
Here’s a look at the past 10 Heisman Trophy winners:
- 2023: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
- 2022: QB Caleb Williams, USC
- 2021: QB Bryce Young, Alabama
- 2020: WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
- 2019: QB Joe Burrow, LSU
- 2018: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
- 2017: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
- 2016: QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville
- 2015: RB Derrick Henry, Alabama
- 2014: QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon