The Heisman Trophy finalists for this year have been announced, showcasing a stellar group of players. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and Miami’s Cam Ward all stand out as contenders for college football’s most prestigious award.
Since its inception in 1935, the Heisman Trophy has recognized the nation’s top college football talent. This year’s winner will be revealed in a ceremony scheduled for Saturday in New York. The finalists were determined by a voting body composed of over 900 members, including media professionals and past Heisman winners.
Dillon Gabriel, a senior quarterback, has made a significant impact at Oregon since transferring from Oklahoma. He has led his team to a perfect season and the Big Ten championship in their first year in the conference. Gabriel boasts impressive statistics, averaging 274 passing yards per game, with 28 touchdown passes and only six interceptions. He possesses a remarkable 73.2% completion rate, ranking second nationwide. Moreover, his total of 35 touchdowns ties him for seventh in the nation, while his career mark of 187 touchdowns holds the NCAA record. Gabriel set a Football Bowl Subdivision record by starting his 62nd game in the Big Ten title match.
Travis Hunter, recognized as one of the greatest two-way players in college football, has drawn comparisons to Charles Woodson, the first defensive player to win the Heisman in 1997. Hunter is making his mark primarily as a receiver while also excelling defensively. He has been named an All-Big 12 first-team receiver, leading the conference with 92 receptions and 14 touchdowns. Additionally, his 1,152 receiving yards place him second in the Big 12, with 21 plays over 20 yards leading the nation. On defense, Hunter is the conference’s defensive player of the year, amassing 31 tackles, leading with 11 pass breakups, and tallying four interceptions.
Ashton Jeanty has had a record-setting season as a junior running back, amassing 2,497 rushing yards, which ranks as the fourth-highest in a single season in FBS history. Leading the country with an average of 192.1 rushing yards per game, Jeanty has continuously impressed, rushing for at least 125 yards in 13 consecutive games. His dominant performance includes over 200 rushing yards in his last two games, totaling six such performances this season while ranking first nationally with 29 rushing touchdowns.
Lastly, Cam Ward, another senior quarterback, has earned accolades including AP offensive player of the year and newcomer of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He has recorded school-first accomplishments, leading the nation with 36 passing touchdowns and amassing 4,123 passing yards. Additionally, he ranks second overall in total yards with 4,319. Ward has orchestrated the highest-scoring offense in the nation, averaging 44.2 points per game.
This year’s Heisman finalists represent not only remarkable individual talent but also the potential for inspiring future athletes in college football. As the award approaches, fans are left to wonder who among these players will seize the coveted title, further solidifying their legacies in the sport. Ultimately, this competition highlights the exciting talent flourishing in college football and promises to deliver thrilling moments ahead.