2024 Heisman Trophy Finalists Announced

The anticipation builds as the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalists were announced on Monday, showcasing some of the brightest stars from an exhilarating college football season. This year’s ceremony promises to be unforgettable as Ashton Jeanty, Travis Hunter, Dillon Gabriel, and Cam Ward all head to New York, hoping to become the 79th recipient of this prestigious award. The winner will be crowned on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Ashton Jeanty: Boise State's Sensation

Ashton Jeanty, a junior running back from Boise State, has enjoyed a historically productive season, placing himself among the best players in college football. With an astonishing 2,497 rushing yards this year, Jeanty ranks fourth on the all-time FBS single-season rushing list. Averaging 192.1 yards per game, he leads the NCAA in rushing average and has run for over 200 yards in six games this season. His incredible performance includes 29 rushing touchdowns, which ties him with Army's Bryson Daily for the national lead. Jeanty's consistency is remarkable, having rushed for at least 125 yards in 13 consecutive games, setting him up as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.

Travis Hunter: The Dual Threat

Next up is Travis Hunter, the electrifying two-way player from Colorado. Renowned for his prowess as both a wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter recorded 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns during the season. His performance places him among the top five nationally in several categories, including receptions and receiving touchdowns.

Defensively, Hunter has been equally impressive, tallying 31 tackles and four interceptions. His dual-threat capability draws parallels to Charles Woodson, who entered college football lore as the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1997. Hunter's versatility and statistics have solidified his status as a leading contender, particularly with a significant betting line favoring his chances to win.

Dillon Gabriel: Oregon's Commanding Quarterback

The third finalist, Dillon Gabriel, has emerged as a vital asset to the Oregon Ducks. After transferring from Oklahoma, Gabriel has orchestrated a perfect 13-0 season, leading Oregon to a Big Ten championship. He has thrown for 3,558 yards, completing over 73% of his passes, and has amassed 28 touchdowns against only six interceptions. His impressive gameplay secured him the highest total career touchdowns in NCAA history at 187 by the end of the season.

As a field general, Gabriel also set an FBS record for the most career quarterback starts, demonstrating his reliability and consistency. With his all-around performance, he is a strong contender in this year’s Heisman race.

Cam Ward: Miami's Rising Star

Lastly, we have Cam Ward, the quarterback for Miami who has made headlines with his remarkable journey from FCS Incarnate Word to leading the Hurricanes. In his first year at Miami, Ward propelled his team to a 10-2 record while throwing for 4,123 yards and a nation-leading 36 passing touchdowns. His explosive play earned him the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year title.

Ward’s ability to consistently deliver has seen him lead the highest-scoring offense in the nation, boasting 44.2 points per game. His record of seven straight 300-yard games highlights his skills and ensures he will be a prominent figure in the upcoming Heisman announcement.

Conclusion

As college football fans eagerly await the announcement of the Heisman Trophy winner, these four remarkable athletes have captivated audiences with their stellar performances throughout the season. Each finalist showcases a unique skill set and an impressive resume, promising an exciting showdown this Saturday. Will Jeanty become the first running back since Derrick Henry to win, or will Hunter claim the trophy as a defensive standout? The wait is nearly over, and the football world holds its breath for the outcome.