Dillon Gabriel from Oregon, Travis Hunter from Colorado, Ashton Jeanty from Boise State, and Cam Ward from Miami have been named finalists for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, which recognizes the most outstanding player in college football. The winner will be revealed in New York this Saturday.
The Heisman Trophy has a rich history, having been awarded since 1935, with this year’s finalists selected by a voting panel of over 900 members, including media personalities and former winners of the award.
Gabriel, a senior quarterback who made the transition from Oklahoma this offseason, has been instrumental in leading Oregon—currently undefeated and ranked first—to the Big Ten championship. He boasts impressive statistics, averaging 274 passing yards per game, with 28 touchdowns against just six interceptions, and a remarkable completion rate of 73.2%. With a record-setting total of 187 career touchdowns, Gabriel has solidified his place in NCAA history and set the record for the most career starts by a quarterback in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Travis Hunter, considered one of the greatest two-way players of his time, has captivated fans with his performance reminiscent of the first Heisman-winning defender, Charles Woodson, who played predominantly on defense. Hunter’s offensive stats are remarkable, as he leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 touchdowns while also excelling defensively, earning accolades as the Big 12’s defensive player of the year.
Ashton Jeanty has had a record-breaking season as a junior running back, rushing for 2,497 yards—the fourth-highest in single-season history within the FBS—averaging an astonishing 192.1 yards per game. His remarkable consistency has him surpassing 125 yards in 13 consecutive games and multiplying his 200-yard performances multiple times throughout the season.
Cam Ward, a senior quarterback for Miami, has earned the title of Associated Press offensive player and newcomer of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He leads the nation with a record 36 passing touchdowns and ranks highly in multiple offensive categories, contributing to the highest-scoring offense in the nation.
As college football heads towards its climax with the Heisman Trophy announcement, fans can look forward to celebrating these exceptional athletes who have showcased determination and skill throughout the season. Their performances not only bring excitement to the game but also inspire future generations of athletes.
In summary, the return of strong individual performances in college football is a testament to the growth and competitiveness of the sport, providing hope for thrilling playoff matchups and inspiring stories as we close in on significant awards like the Heisman Trophy.