Heisman Watch 2024: Final Heisman Trophy voting results, our ballot

Heisman watch 2024
Credit: Brian Losness-Imagn Images

Brian Losness-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: Grading college football coaching hires 2024, including Bill Belichick

Heisman Trophy voting results 2024

RankPlayerTotal1st2nd3rd
1Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado2,23155226153
2Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State2,01730951756
3Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon5162452340
4Cam Ward, QB, Miami229624163
5Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State170318125
6Bryson Daily, QB, Army693746
7Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State521735
8Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado471730
9Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana222310
10Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse9011

Heisman Trophy ballot 2024

Here is our Heisman Trophy ballot for 2025. You can find an analysis of our top Heisman candidates below.

RankPlayer2024 stats
1AAshton Jeanty, RB, Boise State2,613 scrimmage yards, 30 total touchdowns, 7.3 yards per carry
1BTravis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado92 catches, 1,152 yards, 15 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions
3Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon3,558 pass yards, 73.2% completion, 8.8 ypa, 28-6 TD-INT, 192 rush yards, 7 TDs
4Cam Ward, QB, Miami4,123 pass yards, 67.4% completion, 9.5 ypa, 36-7 TD-INT, 196 rush yards, 4 TDs
5Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State 2,074 scrimmage yards, 19 total touchdowns, 5.96 yards per carry
QBR via ESPN

Heisman Watch 2024: Heisman Trophy rankings after Week 15

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos

Credit: Brian Losness-Imagn Images

In the Mountain West Championship Game, Ashton Jeanty once again carried the Boise State Broncos to victory. Facing the UNLV Rebels with a College Football Playoff spot at stake, Jeanty delivered his 11th consecutive game with a rushing touchdown and his sixth 200-yard rushing performance of the season.

Jeanty’s historic season deserves the Heisman Trophy. He finished with the fourth-most rushing yards (2,497) in a single season in the history of college football, also recording the fifth-most scrimmage yards (2,613) in a single year with the ninth-most scrimmage touchdowns (30) in NCAA history. This was one of the best years we’ll ever see from a running back and Jeanty did it while leading Boise State to the College Football Playoff. Boise State wins at least four fewer games this season without him, too.

1B. Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado Buffaloes

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While Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter comes in 1B in our Heisman Watch, we certainly recognize he’s going to win the Heisman Trophy. For one thing, he’s had a much bigger spotlight on him nationally, receiving far more attention than Jeanty. With that said, it’s also a well-earned spotlight because he was both one of the best cornerbacks and most productive receivers in college football this season.

Hunter only finished with 4 interceptions, but that’s primarily because opponents learned to stop targeting a cornerback who will likely be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. As a receiver, Hunter finished with the second-most receiving touchdowns in the Power 4 and he delivered a 1,100-yard season with double-digit touchdowns while playing by far more snaps than anyone in college football. If the choice were left up to us, Jeanty and Hunter would both get the Heisman Trophy. That’s not possible, though.

3. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon Ducks

Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Oregon Ducks needed the absolute best from quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the Big Ten Championship Game, he came through. Facing one of the best defenses in college football, Gabriel came through with his best passing performance of the season. He set a season-high in passing touchdowns (four), with three coming in the first half, and posted a 95.4 ESPN QBR, the fifth time this season he’s posted a 95-plus QBR. He also made some clutch throws on critical downs to extend drives and set up scores later in the series. With his clutch performance in the Big Ten title game, Gabriel punched his ticket to the Heisman Trophy presentation.

4. Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes

Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward was never going to win the Heisman Trophy this year, even without two historic seasons by a running back and two-way player. That’s because Miami saddled arguably the best quarterback in college football this season with one of the worst defenses in the Power 4. Ward single-handedly carried Miami to some victories that this defense seemed pretty desperate to give away. Unfortunately, the Week 14 loss to Syracuse was the latest example that even Ward can’t overcome the Hurricanes defense. Ward still firmly secures a top-four spot on our Heisman Trophy ballot, but it’s a two-man race with Jeanty and Hunter the only ones who should be at the ceremony.

5. Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State Sun Devils

Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo ends the season in our Heisman Watch following his masterful performance in the Big 12 Championship Game. He was unstoppable against the Iowa State Cyclones, erupting for 170 rushing yards, 38 receiving yards and 3 total touchdowns on just 18 touches. It marked his fifth game this season with 199-plus scrimmage yards. Skattebo also became the first player in Arizona State history to eclipse 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season. He won’t get an invite to the Heisman Trophy presentation, but Skattebo earned some fifth-place votes on Heisman ballots.

Heisman Watch FAQ

What are the current Heisman Trophy odds?

These are the current Heisman Trophy odds on FanDuel.

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?

Colorado Buffaloes two-way player Travis Hunter will win the Heisman Trophy this season.

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

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

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

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

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. 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

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

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

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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