The Heisman Memorial Trophy, the most prestigious award in American collegiate football, is annually presented to the best player in the sport. First awarded in 1935, it is named after Oberlin’s very own John Heisman, a pioneer in the development of the modern game of football. Heisman coached the Oberlin football team from 1892–1894. The Heisman is a symbol of excellence, recognizing athletes who exhibit outstanding skill, leadership, and sportsmanship. Voted on by sports journalists, previous winners, and a select group of fans, it often goes to quarterbacks, although players from other positions occasionally win if their performances are extraordinary. As of week five in the 2024 college football season, several athletes are emerging as strong candidates for the Heisman Trophy. This season has been full of thrilling performances, shocking upsets, and the emergence of stars from all corners of the country. With each passing week, the list of potential winners narrows as players step up in critical moments or fall short in key games. Here are some of the top Heisman contenders after five weeks of action, along with their current odds for lifting the trophy in December:
Jalen Milroe
Quarterback (University of Alabama)
Jalen Milroe, the leader of the Alabama Crimson Tide offense, has emerged as the frontrunner for the Heisman trophy. This season, Milroe has found his rhythm, combining elite athleticism with improved decision-making. He is a dual-threat quarterback, capable of making plays with his arm and his legs, which makes him incredibly difficult for defenses to contain. His current numbers through four games consists of 964 passing yards with 10 touchdown passes to one interception, as well as 273 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Milroe’s Heisman candidacy hinges on his ability to lead Alabama through the gauntlet of the SEC. He has already shown flashes of brilliance, including a big-time performance in his most recent game against the second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. His ability to elevate the offense in pressure-packed situations is earning him more recognition as the weeks go by. If Alabama continues its winning ways and Milroe keeps putting up numbers, especially in marquee matchups, he will likely remain the frontrunner of the Heisman race.
Cam Ward
Quarterback (University of Miami)
The second candidate in the early weeks of the 2024 season has been Miami’s Cam Ward. He is playing in an offense tailored to his skill set, showcasing his cannon arm and ability to make plays on the move. Ward has been lighting up scoreboards, throwing for over 300 yards in every game so far and delivering key victories for the currently undefeated Hurricanes. Ward’s Heisman candidacy is bolstered by his ability to put up eye-popping statistics. Through five weeks, he ranks second nationally in passing yards with 1,782, and first in passing touchdowns with 18. Ward also has dual threat ability, with 146 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The main challenge for Ward is maintaining momentum. Every game will be a battle, and for Ward to have a legitimate shot at the Heisman, he will need to keep winning and performing at a high level against tough competition.
Travis Hunter
Cornerback/Wide Receiver (University of Colorado)
Currently third in betting odds is Colorado’s impressive two-way player, Travis Hunter. His versatility and ability to make game-changing plays on both sides of the ball make him one of the most dynamic Heisman candidates in recent memory. Players who play both offense and defense at a high level are rare, and Hunter has proven himself capable of shutting down top receivers while also making explosive plays as a pass-catcher. After transferring to Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders, Hunter has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the country. His speed, instincts, and football IQ are off the charts, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways has captured the attention of Heisman voters. Hunter’s Heisman odds, however, may hinge on Colorado’s overall success. While his individual performances have been stellar, the Heisman often goes to players from teams that are competing for national titles. If Colorado falters in the competitive Pac-12, it might be difficult for him to overcome the traditional quarterback bias in the voting process. Nevertheless, Hunter’s ability to play both ways gives him a unique edge that no other candidate possesses.
Ashton Jeanty
Running Back (Boise State University)
The biggest surprise of the season may be Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. Ashton Jeanty has been a revelation for Boise State, putting up impressive numbers and leading one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. Jeanty’s blend of speed, vision, and power has made him one of the best running backs in the country, and his Heisman campaign is built on his ability to break big plays and score touchdowns at a high rate. While running backs have had a harder time winning the Heisman in recent years due to the rise of pass-happy offenses and the prominence of quarterbacks, Jeanty has a legitimate shot if he continues to dominate. Jeanty is leading the nation in rushing yards with 845 and rushing touchdowns with 13, all while averaging a staggering 10.3 yards per carry. Jeanty is currently on pace to match and possibly break the great Barry Sanders’ single season rushing record of 2,628 yards, a record that has remained since it was set in 1988. What Jeanty is doing is unprecedented; while other great running backs such as Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon and UCF’s Kevin Smith have gotten close, they played in 14 games as opposed to Barry’s 12. Jeanty is on pace to close in on Barry’s record in 12 games. The biggest challenge for Jeanty is exposure. Boise State doesn’t have the same media spotlight as the major Power 5 programs, and Jeanty will need to put up gaudy stats week in and week out to stay relevant in the national conversation. However, if he can deliver in big games and keep his current statistical pace, it won’t be a surprise to see him hoisting the Heisman Trophy in early December.
