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 13 college football rankings
Heisman odds 2024
Here are the latest Heisman Trophy odds courtesy of FanDuel. Odds as of Sunday, November 17.
- Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado – -330
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State – +350
- Cameron Ward, QB, Miami – +1400
- Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon – +2500
- Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana – +3000
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 12. You can find an analysis of each of our top Heisman candidates further below.
| Rank | Player | Week 12 | 2024 stats |
| 1 | Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State | 164 scrimmage yards, 3 TDs | 1,893 rush yards, 7.4 ypc,98 receiving yards, 24 total TDs |
| 2 | Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado | 5 receptions, 55 yards, 1 rush TD, 1 INT, 1 pass DF | 74 receptions, 911 receiving yards, 10 total TDs, 3 INTs, 8 pass DFs |
| 3 | Cam Ward, QB, Miami | BYE | 89.4 QBR, 3,494 pass yards, 32-6 TD-INT, 66.8% completion rate, 182 rush yards, 3 TD |
| 4 | Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama | 11-of-16, 186 pass yards, 2-0 TD-INT, 43 rush yards, 1 TD | 2,232 pass yards, 15-6 TD-INT, 67.5% completion rate, 608 rush yards, 17 TDs |
| 5 | Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana | BYE | 88.1 QBR, 2,410 pass yards, 10.1 ypa, 71.8% completion rate, 21-4 TD-INT, 2 rush TDs |
Heisman Watch 2024: Heisman Trophy rankings after Week 12
1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos – +350
- Ashton Jeanty stats (ESPN): 1,893 rush yards, 7.4 ypc,98 receiving yards, 24 total TDs
Saturday’s performance against San Jose State further strengthened our pick for Ashton Jeanty to win the Heisman Trophy. He’s handled 30-plus carries in five consecutive games, shouldering almost the entire Broncos offense for more than a month now. While he’s averaging under 5 yards per carry during that span, he’s still delivered 536 rushing yards (134 rush ypg) with 9 touchdowns over that span.
Jeanty will almost certainly become the 30th running back to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season. He’s also making up for the poor play of quarterback Maddux Madsen in the last two weeks. Jeanty might not be the best player in college football (Travis Hunter), but we’re making a different argument for him in the Heisman Watch. Take Jeanty off Boise State and Sanders off Colorado, the Buffaloes will still have a winning record. Jeanty is single-handedly carrying the Broncos and that warrants the Heisman Trophy.
2. Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado Buffaloes – -330
- Travis Hunter stats (ESPN): 74 receptions, 911 receiving yards, 10 total TDs, 3 INTs, 8 pass DFs
Travis Hunter is the best player in college football. He snagged his third interception on Saturday and even if you want to chalk that up to luck because of the pass breakup by a teammate, then his catch between two defenders can be his spectacular play of the week. Hunter also found the end zone on the ground, somehow making the entire Utah Utes defense miss him on a play that should’ve ended in a TFL. We’re still giving the slight edge in our Heisman Watch to Ashton Jeanty, but Hunter is on the doorstep of the No. 1 spot.
3. Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes – +1400
- Cam Ward stats (ESPN): 89.4 QBR, 3,494 pass yards, 32-6 TD-INT, 66.8% completion rate, 182 rush yards, 3 TD
With Dillon Gabriel dropping out of our Heisman Trophy rankings, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward reclaims the third spot. He’s not going to win the honor this year, not with that loss on the resume, but he should at the very least be a Heisman Trophy finalist who is invited to New York City. Much like Ashton Jeanty, Ward’s Heisman resume is strengthened by his impact on the Hurricanes. For proof, just look at how Miami fared in recent years without Ward and this same coaching staff.
4. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide – +3500
- Jalen Milroe stats (ESPN): 2,232 pass yards, 15-6 TD-INT, 67.5% completion rate, 608 rush yards, 17 TDs
Well, at least Jalen Milroe found his way back onto our Heisman Trophy ballot. The Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback tanked his Heisman stock in October when he posted a 3-5 TD-INT line with 11 sacks taken and two losses (at Tennessee and at Vanderbilt). He’s been more effective on the ground in November, though, finding the end zone 5 times with 228 rushing yards. He still has an outside shot to make it to New York City for the ceremony, but for now, he’s in the “also receiving votes” mix.
5. Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana Hoosiers – +3000
- Kurtis Rourke stats (ESPN): 88.1 QBR, 2,410 pass yards, 10.1 ypa, 71.8% completion rate, 21-4 TD-INT, 2 rush TDs
The final spot in our Heisman Watch ballot came down to Dillon Gabriel and Kurtis Rourke. Both quarterbacks are leading undefeated teams, with each of their respective programs winning at least one game this season without them or in spite of them. Rourke gets the nod because he’s doing more with less surrounding talent, but also because he’s statistically been the better quarterback (ESPN QBR) this season.
Heisman Watch FAQ
What are the current Heisman Trophy odds?
These are the current Heisman Trophy odds on FanDuel.
- Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado – -330
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State – +350
- Cameron Ward, QB, Miami – +1400
- Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon – +2500
- Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana – +3000
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
| Rank | Player | 2023 stats |
| 1 | Michael Penix Jr | 83.3 QBR, 4,218 pass yards, 33-9 TD-INT, 65.9% completion, 3 rush TDs |
| 2 | Jayden Daniels | 95.6 QBR, 3,812 pass yards, 40-4 TD-INT, 72.2% completion, 1,134 rush yards, 10 rush TDs |
| 3 | Bo Nix | 90.9 QBR, 4,145 pass yards, 40-3 TD-INT, 77.2% completion, 6 rush TDs |
| 4 | Jalen Milroe | 84.5 QBR, 2,520 pass yards, 21-6 TD-INT, 66.4% completion, 12 rush TDs |
| 5 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | 67 receptions, 1,211 receiving yards, 15 total touchdowns |
| 6 | Jordan Travis | 2,755 passing yards, 20-2 TD-INT, 8.4 ypa, 64% completion rate, 176 rush yards, 7 TDs |
Heisman Trophy rankings 2023: Top 5 candidates
1. Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington Huskies
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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4. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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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
| Rank | Player | 2022 stats |
| 1 | Caleb Williams, QB, USC | 4,075 pas yards, 37-4 TD-INT, 86.5 QBR, 66.1% completion, 9.1 yards per attempt, 10 rush TD |
| 2 | Max Duggan, QB, TCU | 3,321 pass yards, 30-4 TD-INT, 80.2 QBR, 64.9% completion, 9.0 yards per attempt, 6 rush TD |
| 3 | Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee | 89.6 QBR, 3,135 pass yards, 27-2 TD-INT, 69.6% completion, 430 rush yards, 5 TDs |
| 4 | CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State | 3,340 pass yards, 37-6 TD-INT, 87.6 QBR, 66.2% completion, 9.4 yards per attempt, 11-1 record |
| 5 | Blake Corum, RB, Michigan | 1,543 scrimmage yards, 19 total touchdowns |
| 6 | Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia | 7 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 FF, No. 1 run defense in college football (77 ypg allowed) |
| 7 | Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia | 3,425 pass yards, 20-6 TD-INT, 86.3 QBR, 68.1% completion, 8.7 yards per attempt, 7 rush TD |
| 8 | Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington | 4,354 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
| Year | Player | 1st Place Votes |
| 1968 | O.J. Simpson, RB, USC | 855 |
| 2019 | Joe Burrow, QB, LSU | 841 |
| 2006 | Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State | 801 |
| 2014 | Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon | 788 |
| 1993 | Charlie Ward, QB, Florida State | 740 |
| 2017 | Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma | 732 |
| 2010 | Cam Newton, QB, Auburn | 729 |
Largest Heisman margin of victory
| Year | Player | 1st Place Votes |
| 2019 | Joe Burrow, QB, LSU | 93.8% |
| 2006 | Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State | 91.62% |
| 2014 | Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon | 90.92% |
| 2017 | Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma | 86% |
| 1998 | Ricky Williams, RB, Texas | 85.23% |
| 1993 | Charlie Ward, QB, Florida State | 83.79% |
| 2021 | Bryce Young, QB, Alabama | 83% |
Heisman Trophy results 2023
Here are the 2023 Heisman Trophy results. Michael Penix Jr. finished as the Heisman runner-up.
| Player: | 1st Place: | 2nd Place | 3rd Place: | TOTAL: |
| Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU | 503 | 217 | 86 | 2,029 |
| Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington | 292 | 341 | 143 | 1,701 |
| Bo Nix, QB, Oregon | 51 | 205 | 322 | |
| Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State | 20 | 78 | 136 | 352 |
| Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State | 8 | 19 | 23 | 85 |
| Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama | 4 | 8 | 45 | 73 |
| Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State | 1 | 2 | 24 | 31 |
| Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri | 1 | 2 | 22 | 29 |
| Blake Corum, RB, Michigan | 3 | 2 | 15 | 28 |
| J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan | 1 | 7 | 4 | 21 |
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, USC | 544 | 168 | 63 | 2,031 |
| Max Duggan, QB, TCU | 188 | 357 | 142 | 1,420 |
| C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State | 37 | 119 | 190 | 539 |
| Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia | 36 | 65 | 111 | 349 |
| Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee | 17 | 47 | 81 | 226 |
| Bryce Young, QB, Alabama | 17 | 28 | 34 | 141 |
| Blake Corum, RB, Michigan | 8 | 25 | 51 | 125 |
| Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington | 9 | 20 | 47 | 114 |
| Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas | 4 | 12 | 39 | 75 |
| Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina | 3 | 6 | 21 | 42 |
2021 Heisman Trophy voting results
Here are the 2021 Heisman voting results.
| Player: | 1st Place: | 2nd Place: | 3rd Place: | TOTAL: |
| Bryce Young, QB, Alabama | 684 | 107 | 45 | 2,311 |
| Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan | 78 | 273 | 174 | 954 |
| Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh | 28 | 175 | 197 | 631 |
| C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State | 12 | 118 | 127 | 399 |
| Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama | 31 | 79 | 74 | 325 |
| Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State | 18 | 53 | 85 | 245 |
| Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss | 10 | 32 | 56 | 150 |
| Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati | 5 | 15 | 36 | 81 |
| Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia | 9 | 15 | 18 | 75 |
| Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State | 0 | 1 | 7 | 17 |
With 83% of the total possible points, Bryce Young finished with the seventh-highest total in Heisman Trophy voting history.