The Heisman Trophy finalists have been announced, and this year's list features some standout names. With the prestigious award set to recognize the most outstanding college football player, four exceptional candidates are vying for the honor: Dillon Gabriel from Oregon, Travis Hunter representing Colorado, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and Cam Ward from Miami. This exciting announcement was made during ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown by Andre Ware, the 1989 Heisman Trophy winner.
This year’s finalists represent excellence across various positions, showcasing their remarkable talent on the field. At the center of the excitement is Dillon Gabriel, the senior quarterback for the Oregon Ducks. Gabriel has been instrumental in leading his team to unparalleled success, boasting a perfect 13-0 season. His stats are impressive: he has thrown for 3,558 yards, has completed 73.2% of his passes, and recorded 28 touchdowns alongside six interceptions. Notably, he also rushed for 192 yards and seven touchdowns, underscoring his dynamic skill set.
Gabriel's consistency has placed him among the top quarterbacks nationally. His completion percentage ranks second across the country, and his career total of 187 touchdowns is now the highest ever recorded in NCAA history. With such accolades, he has rightfully earned his place as one of the top contenders for the coveted Heisman Trophy.
Equally impressive is Travis Hunter, the two-way star from Colorado. Hunter has made history as one of the greatest two-way players, showcasing his skills as both a cornerback and wide receiver. Defensively, he stood out with 31 tackles and four interceptions, earning him the title of Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Offensively, his numbers are remarkable too: he recorded 92 receptions, amassed 1,154 receiving yards, and scored 14 touchdowns. Hunter's performance this season has drawn comparisons to Charles Woodson, the first defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy.
Then there’s Ashton Jeanty from Boise State, who has enjoyed one of the most prolific running back seasons recorded. Jeanty has rushed for 2,497 yards and scored 29 touchdowns, both national bests. His consistent performance is highlighted by his impressive average of 192.1 rushing yards per game, which leads the nation. He is not only breaking records at his school but is also making waves historically, as his rushing total is among the highest single-season totals ever.
Cam Ward, the Miami quarterback, rounds out the list of finalists with impressive statistics of his own. Ward finished the season with 4,123 passing yards and 36 touchdown passes, leading the nation. His passer rating is also noteworthy, placing him among the top quarterbacks nationally. Miami's offense, under Ward’s leadership, is now recognized as the highest-scoring offense, averaging 44.2 points per game, demonstrating the strength and efficiency he brings to the field.
The Heisman Trophy ceremony is scheduled for December 14, 2024, and it promises to be an event filled with excitement as one of these outstanding athletes will be honored with the prestigious title. The anticipation around the event continues to build as fans speculate and analyze the finalists' performances.
The process for determining the Heisman winner involves voting from 928 electors, which includes media members, previous winners, and one overall fan vote, enhancing the trophy's prestige and significance.
All four finalists will be present at the ceremony, each vying for recognition of their incredible achievements over what has been a thrilling college football season. The profiles of the finalists show just how competitive this year's race has been, with each player bringing unique strengths and significant contributions to their teams.
With the awards show just around the corner, fans and analysts alike are excited to see who will take home the renowned trophy. The Heisman symbolizes not just individual talent, but also the spirit of college football, and this year’s finalists represent the best of the best.
Whether you root for Oregon, Colorado, Boise State, or Miami, this year's Heisman Trophy race is undoubtedly one for the history books, and it will be fascinating to watch as the championship festivities commence.