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Heisman Watch 2024: Travis Hunter vs Ashton Jeanty in Heisman Trophy race, latest Heisman odds

Heisman Watch, Heisman Trophy race
Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

Who will win the Heisman Trophy this year? Quarterbacks have taken the honor in recent years, with Jayden Daniels (2023) and Caleb Williams (2022) joining the list of Heisman winners. It’s now time for Heisman Watch 2024 and examine the race for the Heisman Trophy this season.

We’ll update our Heisman Trophy rankings every week following performances from each of the top Heisman candidates. We’ll also provide our own Heisman Trophy ballot with a side-by-side comparison of stats. For historical context, you can find our Heisman ballot for 2023 and 2022 below.

Related: Week 14 college football rankings

Heisman odds 2024

Here are the latest Heisman Trophy odds courtesy of FanDuel. Odds as of Sunday, November 24.

  • Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado – -730
  • Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State – +600
  • Cameron Ward, QB, Miami – +1200
  • Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon – +6000
  • Will Howard, QB, Ohio State – +40000

Now that you know the Heisman odds, let’s jump into our five Heisman Trophy candidates.

Heisman Trophy ballot 2024

Here is our Heisman Trophy ballot right now following Week 13. You can find an analysis of each of our top Heisman candidates further below.

RankPlayerWeek 122024 stats
1Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State173 scrimmage yards, 8.9 yards per carry, 1 TD2,164 scrimmage yards, 28 total TDs, 7.5 yards per carry
2Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado8 receptions, 125 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 pass deflection82 receptions, 1,036 receiving yards, 12 total TDs, 3 INTs, 8 PDs
3Cam Ward, QB, Miami27-of-38, 280 pass yards, 2-1 TD-INT, 1 rushing TD3,774 pass yards, 67.2% completion rate, 9.5 ypa, 34-7 TD-INT, 4 rush TDs
4Dillon Gabriel, QB, OregonBYE84.1 QBR, 3,066 pass yards, 73.8% completion rate, 8.7 ypa, 22-6 TD-INT, 6 rush TDs
5Will Howard, QB, Ohio State22-of-26, 201 pass yards, 2-1 TD-INT, 1 rush TD2,685 pass yards, 74% completion rate, 9.6 ypa, 26-6 TD-INT, 7 rush TDs
QBR via ESPN

Heisman Watch 2024: Heisman Trophy rankings after Week 13

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos – +600

Heisman Watch 2024
Credit: Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images
  • Ashton Jeanty stats (ESPN): 2,164 scrimmage yards, 28 total TDs, 7.5 yards per carry

Ashton Jeanty carried the Boise State Broncos to another victory, needing just 19 carries (8.9 ypc) to eclipse 160 rushing yards. He also added to his remarkable totals, including eight runs of 60-plus yards (most in college football since 2016) and he leads the nation in rushes for 30-plus, 40-plus, 50-plus and 70-plus yards as well. Playing through injuries, Jeanty also eclipsed the 2,000-yard rushing mark.

Our case for Heanty to win the Heisman Trophy over Travis Hunter is simple. Boise State (10-1) probably lose five more games this season without Jeanty on the field. Jeanty also became only the third running back in history to rush for over 2,000 yards and score 27-plus rushing touchdowns in a single season. If a running back can’t win the Heisman Trophy now, it might be time for the committee to just admit the award is only for specific positions.

2. Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado Buffaloes – -730

Heisman Watch, Travis Hunter
Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
  • Travis Hunter stats (ESPN): 82 receptions, 1,036 receiving yards, 12 total TDs, 3 INTs, 8 PDs

Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way star Travis Hunter did everything he could offensively to try and get the Buffs to a win on Saturday at Kansas. Colorado’s No. 1 receiver eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the first time since October 26, which is also when he last scored multiple touchdowns in a game. Even with the Buffaloes losing in Week 14, Hunter’s Heisman odds skyrocketed and he is the heavy favorite to win the award. There’s an overwhelming case for his rare two-way ability, but this would also be the second consecutive year that Heisman Trophy voters gave the award to a player on a three-loss team.

3. Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes – +1200

Heisman Watch 2024
Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
  • Cam Ward stats (ESPN): 3,774 pass yards, 67.2% completion rate, 9.5 ypa, 34-7 TD-INT, 4 rush TDs

With Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke and Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe both losing amid rough performances in Week 13, Cam Ward is guaranteed a spot at the Heisman Trophy presentation. The Miami Hurricanes quarterback completed 71.1 percent of his 38 pass attempts in Saturday’s win over Wake Forest, his first game with a 70-plus percent completion rate since September 21. Ward also recorded his 10th game with multiple touchdown passes and he ran for a score for the first time since October. 5. All in all, it was a fine performance by Miami’s senior signal-caller and he should have third place in the Heisman Trophy voting locked up.

4. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon Ducks – +6000

Heisman Watch
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
  • Dillon Gabriel stats (ESPN): 84.1 QBR, 3,066 pass yards, 73.8% completion rate, 8.7 ypa, 22-6 TD-INT, 6 rush TDs

Dillon Gabriel pops back into the Heisman Watch this week even coming off a bye. It’s been a relatively unspectacular season for the Oregon Ducks quarterback, but the undefeated record and victory over Ohio State carry a lot of weight. Gabriel has had Heisman moments this season, including in that nail-biting win over the Buckeyes and in a 37-34 triumph over Boise State (3 touchdowns), but his numbers on the whole are largely pedestrian compared to Heisman Trophy candidates in previous seasons. There should be a short list of Heisman finalists this year and Gabriel should be off it.

5. Will Howard, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes – N/A

Heisman Watch 2024
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  • Will Howard stats (ESPN): 2,685 pass yards, 74% completion rate, 9.6 ypa, 26-6 TD-INT, 7 rush TDs

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard made a lone mistake in Saturday’s 38-15 win over No. 5 Indiana, but it never came close to costing his team. Howard was hyper-efficient with a season-best 84.6 percent completion rate, turning 22-of-26 passes completed into a pair of touchdowns and 201 yards. For good measure, he also added his seventh rushing touchdown of the season. All things considered, Howard met expectations following his transfer to Ohio State and as long as he beats Michigan, he’ll have secured fifth in our Heisman Watch.

Heisman Watch FAQ

What are the current Heisman Trophy odds?

These are the current Heisman Trophy odds on FanDuel.

  • Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado – -730
  • Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State – +600
  • Cameron Ward, QB, Miami – +1200
  • Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon – +6000

Who is the favorite for the Heisman Trophy in 2024?

Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy in 2024.

Who will win the Heisman?

Sportsnaut’s prediction is that Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty will win the Heisman this year.

Sportsnaut’s 2023 Heisman Trophy ballot

RankPlayer2023 stats
1Michael Penix Jr83.3 QBR, 4,218 pass yards, 33-9 TD-INT, 65.9% completion, 3 rush TDs
2Jayden Daniels95.6 QBR, 3,812 pass yards, 40-4 TD-INT, 72.2% completion, 1,134 rush yards, 10 rush TDs
3Bo Nix90.9 QBR, 4,145 pass yards, 40-3 TD-INT, 77.2% completion, 6 rush TDs
4Jalen Milroe84.5 QBR, 2,520 pass yards, 21-6 TD-INT, 66.4% completion, 12 rush TDs
5Marvin Harrison Jr.67 receptions, 1,211 receiving yards, 15 total touchdowns
6Jordan Travis2,755 passing yards, 20-2 TD-INT, 8.4 ypa, 64% completion rate, 176 rush yards, 7 TDs
QBR via ESPN

Heisman Trophy rankings 2023: Top 5 candidates

1. Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington Huskies

NCAA Football: Pac-12 Championship-Oregon at Washington
  • Michael Penix Jr stats 2023: 83.3 QBR, 4,218 pass yards, 33-9 TD-INT, 65.9% completion, 3 rush TDs

Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is our 2023 Heisman Trophy winner. He doesn’t have the stats to rival Jayden Daniels or Bo Nix, but there’s another compelling argument for Penix. He never lost.

Washington was nearly a double-digit underdog in the Pac-12 Championship Game against Nix and Penix Jr. came out on top. He wasn’t perfect, with interceptions once again proving to be an issue for him. However, he delivered his best performance since October on the biggest stage. He found ways to win even in games when he threw an interception, unlike Daniels, and he beat Nix head-to-head twice. Plus, Penix Jr. played through injuries. That’s why he finishes the season atop our Heisman Trophy race.

2. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU Tigers – 2023 Heisman Trophy winner

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  • Jayden Daniels stats 2023: 95.6 QBR, 3,812 pass yards, 40-4 TD-INT, 72.2% completion, 1,134 rush yards, 10 rush TDs

LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels had one of the best single-season performances ever. He shattered FBS single-game records, put his name in LSU’s record books and posted video-game numbers that made him the most exciting player to watch in college football. It will likely be several years before we see a quarterback have a season like this one. However, LSU still lost three games this season and Daniels had a 3-2 TD-INT line in two of those losses, with LSU losing by multiple scores.

Daniels is going to be the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner. Statistically, he delivered one of the best seasons in college football history and LSU is probably a five-win team without him. We have no issue with the Heisman voters who cast their ballot for Daniels, his numbers were deserving. However, in our evaluation process, Penix Jr. earned the award and finished atop our Heisman Watch after an undefeated season and Pac-12 title.

3. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon Ducks

NCAA Football: Pac-12 Championship-Oregon at Washington
  • Bo Nix stats 2023: 90.9 QBR, 4,145 pass yards, 40-3 TD-INT, 77.2% completion, 6 rush TDs

If stats are all that determine the Heisman Watch leader, the award goes to Jayden Daniels. If it’s determined by the best player on one of the undefeated teams, then it goes to Penix Jr. That’s precisely why Nix is the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

Nix, who set the FBS record for most career starts as a quarterback, was excellent in the Pac-12 title game. He threw three-plus touchdown passes for the eighth time this season and set a season-high in rushing yards (69). The Ducks’ senior quarterback put 31 points on the board against Washington’s defense and finished the year with over 4,300 yards of offense with 46 total touchdowns. However, two losses to Penix Jr. put Nix in second.

Related: How to watch college football without cable

4. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide

NCAA Football: Alabama at Auburn
  • Jalen Milroe stats 2023: 84.5 QBR, 2,520 pass yards, 21-6 TD-INT, 66.4% completion, 12 rush TDs

In the first two months of the season, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe had just 142 rushing yards with a 13-5 TD-INT ratio. Something changed at halftime against the Tennessee Volunteers. Milroe finished November with a 187.9 QB rating, rushing for 297 yards with another 909 through the air. He completed 69.4 percent of his passes, accounted for 15 total touchdowns and delivered his biggest play in the closing seconds of the Iron Bowl. It’s not enough to win the Heisman Trophy, but Milroe was one of the best players in college football in the second half of the season.

5. Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

NCAA Football: Michigan State at Ohio State
  • Marvin Harrison Jr stats 2023: 67 receptions, 1,211 receiving yards, 26 rushing yards, 15 total touchdowns

Marvin Harrison Jr. did. everything a wide receiver can do to beat the best defense in the nation. He found the end zone against a Michigans secondary that previously allowed just 1 receiving touchdown in the red zone this season. He also was the only Ohio State player who gave fans hope on the attempt at a game-winning drive. With the loss, the best thing for Harrison Jr. is to sit out Ohio State’s bowl game. If this is the end for him, he had a phenomenal career.

6. Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State Seminoles

NCAA Football: Miami at Florida State
  • Jordan Travis stats 2023: 2,755 passing yards, 20-2 TD-INT, 8.4 yards per attempt, 64% completion rate, 176 rush yards, 7 TDs

Devastating. That’s the only word to describe the Jordan Travis injury. For the Florida State Seminoles, it erases any shot of the team competing for a national championship and potentially could keep them out of the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, just like with Hendon Hooker in 2022, the injury will take a few secondary Heisman Trophy votes for Travis. The senior quarterback finished his collegiate career with a phenomenal senior campaign, knocking out LSU in a thrilling season-opener, ending Florida State’s winning streak at Clemson and he won 10 consecutive games as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation. Travis won’t even be a Heisman Trophy finalist, but he’s at least earned this recognition.

Related: Highest-paid college football coaches

Sportsnaut’s Heisman Trophy ballot 2022

Here is Sportsnaut’s final Heisman Trophy ballot following the conclusion of conference championship weekend.

Top 5 Heisman candidates

RankPlayer2022 stats
1Caleb Williams, QB, USC4,075 pas yards, 37-4 TD-INT, 86.5 QBR, 66.1% completion, 9.1 yards per attempt, 10 rush TD
2Max Duggan, QB, TCU3,321 pass yards, 30-4 TD-INT, 80.2 QBR, 64.9% completion, 9.0 yards per attempt, 6 rush TD
3Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee89.6 QBR, 3,135 pass yards, 27-2 TD-INT, 69.6% completion, 430 rush yards, 5 TDs
4CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State3,340 pass yards, 37-6 TD-INT, 87.6 QBR, 66.2% completion, 9.4 yards per attempt, 11-1 record
5Blake Corum, RB, Michigan1,543 scrimmage yards, 19 total touchdowns
6Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia7 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 FF, No. 1 run defense in college football (77 ypg allowed)
7Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia3,425 pass yards, 20-6 TD-INT, 86.3 QBR, 68.1% completion, 8.7 yards per attempt, 7 rush TD
8Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington4,354 pass yards, 29-7 TD-INT, 81.8 QBR, 66% completion, 8.7 yards per attempt, 4 rush TD

Heisman Trophy FAQ: Everything you need to know

How many Heisman voters are there?

There are 870 media members, living Heisman winners and a collective fan vote to determine who wins the Heisman Trophy. Voters aren’t allowed to reveal who they voted for until after the Heisman Ceremony, which airs on ESPN at 8 PM ET.

Heisman vote margins: Who won the Heisman by the most votes?

USC Trojans running back OJ Simpson received the most Heisman votes ever, taking home 855 in 1968. Meanwhile, LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow has the largest percentage of Heisman votes.

Most first-place Heisman votes

YearPlayer1st Place Votes
1968O.J. Simpson, RB, USC855
2019Joe Burrow, QB, LSU841
2006Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State801
2014Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon788
1993Charlie Ward, QB, Florida State740
2017Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma732
2010Cam Newton, QB, Auburn729

Largest Heisman margin of victory

YearPlayer1st Place Votes
2019Joe Burrow, QB, LSU93.8%
2006Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State91.62%
2014Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon90.92%
2017Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma86%
1998Ricky Williams, RB, Texas85.23%
1993Charlie Ward, QB, Florida State83.79%
2021Bryce Young, QB, Alabama83%

Heisman Trophy results 2023

NCAA Football: Heisman Trophy Presentation

Here are the 2023 Heisman Trophy results. Michael Penix Jr. finished as the Heisman runner-up.

Player:1st Place:2nd Place3rd Place:TOTAL:
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU503217862,029
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington2923411431,701
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon51205322
Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State2078136352
Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State8192385
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama484573
Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State122431
Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri122229
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan321528
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan17421

Heisman Trophy results 2022

Here are the 2022 Heisman Trophy results. Further below, you can find an early look at our 2023 Heisman candidates.

Player:1st Place:2nd Place:3rd Place:TOTAL:
Caleb Williams, QB, USC544168632,031
Max Duggan, QB, TCU1883571421,420
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State37119190539
Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia3665111349
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee174781226
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama172834141
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan82551125
Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington92047114
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas4123975
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina362142

2021 Heisman Trophy voting results

Here are the 2021 Heisman voting results.

Player:1st Place:2nd Place:3rd Place:TOTAL:
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama684107452,311
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan78273174954
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh28175197631
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State12118127399
Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama317974325
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State185385245
Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss103256150
Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati5153681
Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia9151875
Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State01717

With 83% of the total possible points, Bryce Young finished with the seventh-highest total in Heisman Trophy voting history.

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