Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and Miami’s Cam Ward have been named finalists for this year’s Heisman Trophy, which recognizes the most outstanding college football player in the U.S. since its establishment in 1935. The winner will be revealed on Saturday in New York, with selections determined by over 900 voters, including media members and distinguished former Heisman winners.
Dillon Gabriel, a senior quarterback who joined Oregon from Oklahoma this past offseason, has played a pivotal role in leading the unbeaten Ducks to the Big Ten Championship in their inaugural season in the conference, earning them the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. He averages an impressive 274 passing yards per game, with a total of 28 touchdown passes and only six interceptions. Gabriel’s notable 73.2% completion rate ranks second in the country, with his 35 total touchdowns placing him seventh nationally. He also holds the NCAA record for most career starts by a quarterback, achieving this milestone with his 62nd start during the Big Ten title game.
Travis Hunter is being recognized for his unique two-way playing abilities, drawing comparisons to Charles Woodson, the first defensive player to win the Heisman in 1997. Hunter has made a name for himself on offense as well, being chosen as an All-Big 12 first-team receiver and earning an honorable mention for offensive player of the year. He leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 touchdown catches, plus he is second in receiving yards with 1,152. Additionally, his contributions on defense led him to be named the Big 12’s defensive player of the year, where he recorded 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and four interceptions.
Ashton Jeanty, a junior running back, has delivered an extraordinary season with his 2,497 rushing yards, making it the fourth-highest single-season total in FBS history. He has consistently exceeded 125 rushing yards in 13 consecutive games, showcasing his ability to dominate on the field. Jeanty has rushed for over 200 yards in both of his last two games and has achieved this feat six times this season. With an average of 7.26 yards per carry and a total of 29 rushing touchdowns—tied for the national lead—he certainly has made an unforgettable impression this season.
Miami’s Cam Ward rounds out the finalists, having been recognized as the Associated Press offensive player of the year and newcomer of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He has set a school record with 36 passing touchdowns and boasts 4,123 passing yards, ranking second nationally in total yards and passing yards per game at 343.6. Ward also leads the college football scene with Miami’s high-octane offense, averaging 44.2 points per game and making history as the first Miami quarterback to record seven consecutive games with over 300 passing yards.
This year’s Heisman Trophy finalists highlight the remarkable talent that embodies college football, showcasing impressive individual achievements while contributing to their teams’ successes. As the announcement date approaches, fans eagerly await who will take home the prestigious award, underscoring the bright future of college football with such exceptional players emerging.