By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Sabri Haidar-The Mojo Network)
This weekend, on December 14 in New York, college football’s most prestigious award will be presented to its winner. Let us introduce you to the contenders. The first finalist is Ashton Jeanty, a junior running back from Boise State. This season, Ashton Jeanty totaled 2,497 yards on 344 carries with 30 total touchdowns across 13 games, averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per carry. Ashton currently ranks third all-time for rushing yards in a single season and is just 131 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders’ record, with one more guaranteed game left to play.
The second finalist is none other than Travis Hunter from the Colorado Buffaloes. Hunter showcased his versatility with 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. On defense, he added 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and a game-winning forced fumble. Remarkably, he allowed just one touchdown all season on 39 targets. While we’ve seen players take on both sides of the ball before, we’ve never witnessed it performed at such an elite level. Travis Hunter also made history by consistently playing 100+ snaps per game, every game.
The third finalist is Cam Ward, the talented quarterback from the University of Miami. This season, Ward set a new single-season record at Miami for most passing yards and passing touchdowns. He led the nation in touchdowns accounted for with 40, ranked second in passing yards with 4,123, and finished number one in QBR with an impressive 88.0. Without Ward, there’s no doubt Miami would have likely lost at least four more games. Beyond the stats, Ward impressed with his ability to make highlight-reel plays and consistently save his team in challenging situations.
Rounding out the finalists is quarterback Dillon Gabriel from the Oregon Ducks. Gabriel led his team to a perfect 12-0 regular season and a Big 12 Championship. He accounted for 35 total touchdowns, threw for 3,558 passing yards, and posted a nationally ranked second-best QBR of 86.5. Gabriel looks to lead his ducks to their first national championship win.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy finalists represent a truly remarkable group of players who have dominated on the field in different ways. From Ashton Jeanty’s record-breaking rushing yards to Travis Hunter’s unparalleled two-way play, Cam Ward’s historic season at Miami, and Dillon Gabriel’s leadership in Oregon’s perfect season, each finalist has had an unforgettable impact on college football. As we head into the Heisman ceremony on December 14th, fans eagerly await to see who will take home the prestigious award. Regardless of who wins, all four players have solidified their place in college football history.