Four exceptional college football stars have been named finalists for the prestigious Heisman Trophy: Dillon Gabriel from Oregon, Travis Hunter from Colorado, Ashton Jeanty from Boise State, and Cam Ward from Miami. The Heisman Trophy has recognized the country’s top college football player since its inception in 1935, with the winner set to be announced this Saturday in New York. The finalists were chosen based on votes from over 900 panel members, comprising media members and former Heisman winners.
Dillon Gabriel, a senior quarterback who made a notable transfer from Oklahoma this offseason, has significantly contributed to Oregon’s remarkable season, leading the team to a Big Ten championship and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. With an average of 274 passing yards per game, Gabriel has thrown for 28 touchdowns and recorded a completion rate of 73.2%, second best in the nation. His 35 combined touchdowns rank seventh nationally, and he holds the NCAA record for the most career quarterback starts with 62.
Travis Hunter stands out as a remarkable two-way player. Historic comparisons have been drawn between him and Charles Woodson, the first defensive player to win the Heisman. Hunter excelled both offensively and defensively; he leads the Big 12 in receptions and receiving touchdowns while also being recognized as the conference’s defensive player of the year. His dual-threat capability has set him apart this season.
Ashton Jeanty has made waves as a junior running back, boasting an unparalleled season with 2,497 rushing yards—the fourth highest in FBS history for a single season. His impressive average of 192.1 yards per game leads the nation, and he has managed to rush for over 200 yards in multiple games. Jeanty shares the national lead in rushing touchdowns, demonstrating consistent and robust performance throughout the year.
Cam Ward, a senior quarterback, has been named the Associated Press offensive player and newcomer of the year for the Atlantic Coast Conference. Leading a high-octane offense, Ward’s statistics are impressive, with 36 passing touchdowns, over 4,000 passing yards, and a scoring average of 44.2 points per game—the highest in the nation. He has consistently showcased his skills, becoming the first Miami quarterback to achieve seven consecutive games with over 300 passing yards.
In summary, these Heisman finalists have not only delivered outstanding individual performances but have also propelled their teams to remarkable heights this college football season. Their achievements highlight the vibrant talent present in college football today, sparking excitement and anticipation as fans eagerly await the announcement of the Heisman Trophy winner. The competition reflects a promising future for these athletes, regardless of the final outcome, as they each demonstrate skills that could pave the way for successful professional careers.