The 2024 Heisman Trophy race is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing seasons yet, as it delivers unexpected finalists whose performances have defied modern football trends. With the award ceremony slated for Saturday, the finalists include Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward.
This year's finalists tell the story of remarkable talent but also of significant shifts within the college football scene. Gabriel has had stellar statistics leading the No. 1 team, but it’s Hunter and Jeanty who have rewired the expectations. Hunter, who plays both cornerback and wide receiver, has been described as one of the most versatile players seen since Paul Hornung captivated audiences decades ago. Meanwhile, Jeanty, representing Boise State, strives to become the first Heisman winner from outside the Power Five conferences since 1990, when Ty Detmer took home the honor.
Despite the historical leaning of the Heisman toward quarterbacks—with 20 of the last 24 winners playing the position—this year might witness the emergence of new archetypes redefining what it means to be the best player in college football. Hunter’s performance has been monumental; he not only leads Colorado’s resurgence this season but has also amassed impressive statistics on both sides of the ball.
Travis Hunter’s dual-threat capabilities have stunned fans across the nation. He managed to rack up 14 touchdown receptions and is one of the nation’s top contributors on both offense and defense. Remarkably, he participated in 1,360 scrimmage plays this season, averaging over 113 snaps per game—an incredible feat for any player, commanding respect as he balances both positions with relentless energy.
His transformation of the game has been inspirational, leading many hopeful two-way players to dream of following his path. "I definitely think I opened some doors, but it is going to be hard to squeeze inside the door because I’m the only person that's ever done it," Hunter commented on his unique achievement this season. His dedication and work ethic resonate with many players who seek guidance on how to break the mold set by conventional roles within the game.
On the other hand, Jeanty’s story is equally compelling. He has accumulated over 2,497 rushing yards along with 29 touchdowns this season, placing him firmly in the Heisman conversation. Comparisons to Barry Sanders are made easier by Jeanty’s single-person performances echoing the legendary running back’s single-season brilliance. Jeanty has shunned the opportunity to transfer to larger programs, demonstrating loyalty and ambition by staying with Boise State, where he began his college career.
Throughout the regular season, Jeanty has expressed his intention to rewrite history, with the chance of not just breaking records but leaving a legacy for future players from Group of 5 programs. "I could have commanded huge money in the transfer portal but opted to stay where I had been recruited out of high school," Jeanty said, reflecting his commitment to the program and its potential.
The Heisman Trophy is undeniably prestigious, but it has also faced scrutiny over the years for being too predictable. The 2024 candidates are reshaping the narrative, highlighting players from non-traditional backgrounds, diverting from the common tropes the award has come to represent. This shift hints at the evolution of college football as it welcomes more diverse representation among its top performers.
The SEC, long a powerhouse contributor to the Heisman race, faces this year’s recognition of players from programs often overlooked. With no SEC players listed among this year’s finalists—marking the first absence since 2017—the awareness of football’s shifting dynamics grows stronger. The dominance of the SEC has historically been unquestionable, with the conference possessing 16 Heisman winners since the trophy’s inception. Yet, the changing of the guard this season evokes discussions about inclusivity and the future of college athletics.
While the national stage has featured many quarterbacks before, the surprising exit of traditional frontrunners signals the potential for new heroics. Gabriel, leading the undefeated Oregon Ducks, has shown dazzling statistics; yet the Heisman conversation seems to favor Hunter and Jeanty. This outcome could potentially mark the beginning of significant shifts within college sports, ushering non-conventional talent onto the main stage.
With the announcement of these four finalists imminent, expect the conversation leading up to the award ceremony to dwell on the remarkable feats achieved during the 2024 season. Critically, can these players deliver change to the narrative surrounding the Heisman? The decision lies firmly with the voters who will experience firsthand the evolution instigated by this year’s unique candidates.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy race could redefine the prestige of the award or reaffirm the traditional paradigm it has upheld for so long. Nonetheless, one thing is for sure: the efforts of Hunter and Jeanty will echo through the annals of college football—a resounding message of progress and change.