NEW YORK — The stage is set for one of the most anticipated nights in college football as the 2024 Heisman Trophy Award Ceremony approaches. On Saturday, December 14, at 8 p.m. ET, the ceremony will broadcast live from Lincoln Center, as college football's finest prepare to see who will take home the coveted trophy.
This year, the finalists for the award are Dillon Gabriel, the quarterback from Oregon; Travis Hunter, the two-way sensation from Colorado; Ashton Jeanty, the standout running back from Boise State; and Cam Ward, the talented quarterback from Miami. Each has made significant impacts on their respective teams, and all eyes will be on who clinches the award.
Dillon Gabriel, regarded as one of the top offensive players this year, threw for 3,558 yards and 28 touchdowns, recording a remarkable 73.2% completion rate. He has led his team to an impressive 13-0 record and is seeking to become the second Heisman winner from Oregon, following the legendary Marcus Mariota.
Meanwhile, Travis Hunter has turned heads with his dual-threat capabilities, playing both wide receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes. The junior has notable stats including 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 15 total touchdowns, alongside his contributions on defense with 32 tackles and four interceptions. Hunter is the first true two-way player to be nominated for the Heisman since the award's inception, drawing comparisons to baseball's Shohei Ohtani for his unique skill set.
Then there’s Ashton Jeanty, who exemplifies the running back position's enduring value. With 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns this season, Jeanty has solidified his place among the Heisman greats. "The running back position has been overlooked for a long time, so to carry on the legacy is great," Jeanty remarked, emphasizing his drive to reclaim honor for players at his position.
Cam Ward, from Miami, has also showcased his exceptional talent, throwing for 4,123 yards and leading the NCAA with 36 touchdown passes this season. His performance has been stellar, helping the Hurricanes achieve significant success. Ward expressed his belief in approaching the game with both skill and recklessness, working diligently to secure his team's victories.
The Heisman Trophy ceremonies have been marked by the attendance of past winners, but this year's event will see the return of 2010 winner Cam Newton, who has famously distanced himself from the affair for years due to unresolved feelings from his own heist, where his father could not attend after controversy marred the ceremony. Newton finally broke his silence on the matter; his return has been motivated by both familial ties to finalist Travis Hunter and his father's encouragement: "When Cecil Newton calls me, I answer,” he stated during his podcast.
Ashley confirmed the high likelihood of Hunter walking away with the award due to his dynamic contributions to his team this season. Nevertheless, Gabriel, Ward, and Jeanty have all proven themselves worthy adversaries, adding to the unpredictability of the outcome.
Fans have been eagerly discussing potential winners, showing passion for the excellence showcased by non-finalists including Kurtis Rourke from Indiana, who finished ninth and had missed portions of the season due to injury, and Cam Skattebo from Arizona State, who ranked fifth.
Heisman Trophy voting has opened up discussions about the significance of past winners and how they engage with the event today. Notably, this year marks the first time since 2017 where no player from the Southeastern Conference has made the finalist list, indicating shifts within college football power dynamics.
With two of the finalists coming from the Pac-12 and one from the Mountain West, this year’s ceremony is seen as hallmark for players from non-powerhouse schools. All four finalists participated on Friday by conducting interviews and taking pictures, celebrating their achievements as part of the prestigious ceremony.
Regardless of the outcome, the event promises to be memorable for college football, uniting fans and players from various backgrounds. The Heisman Trophy continues to represent not only excellence on the field but also highlights personal stories of dedication and resilience.
So, mark your calendars for this pivotal evening. It’s not just about who wins the trophy but also about celebrating the hard work and determination of all players sharing the stage. Will the night belong to the electrifying Travis Hunter or will one of the other finalists claim the honor? Time will tell as the world tunes in to find out.