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The 2024 Heisman Trophy race is heating up. Meet the top contenders poised to claim college football’s most prestigious award.
As the 2024 college football season reaches its midway point, the Heisman Trophy race is heating up. A few standout players have begun to separate themselves from the pack, showcasing remarkable performances and unforgettable Heisman moments. From dual-threat quarterbacks to electrifying running backs and even a two-way star, this year’s contenders are setting the stage for an epic battle to claim college football’s most prestigious award.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy Race Is Led By Travis Hunter and Jalen Milroe
Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado Buffaloes
Travis Hunter is redefining what it means to be a two-way player in college football. In just five weeks, he’s proven to be a force on both sides of the ball, logging 46 catches for 561 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver, while also recording 16 tackles, two interceptions, and three pass breakups as a cornerback.
What truly sets him apart is his endurance and versatility. Hunter has played an astounding 620 snaps—300 on offense and 320 on defense—averaging an almost unheard-of 124 snaps per game. This isn’t just talent; it’s next-level stamina and focus, something few players in the history of college football have been able to achieve.
His signature Heisman moment came on September 28th, when he intercepted a pass with a jaw-dropping diving catch against UCF, then celebrated with the iconic Heisman pose, echoing Desmond Howard’s famous move. It was a defining moment that showcased not just his skill, but his awareness of the Heisman legacy.
With +350 odds to win the Heisman according to DraftKings, Hunter is making a strong case to be the first two-way player in decades to claim college football’s most prestigious honor.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Jalen Milroe came into 2024 riding the wave of a strong finish to last season, but he’s far from just a dark horse Heisman candidate now. He’s leading the charge as one of the top contenders, and his play on the field backs it up.
Milroe has developed into a true dual-threat quarterback, completing 72.9% of his passes for 964 yards with 10 touchdowns to just one interception. On the ground, he’s added another 273 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, making him a nightmare for defenses to contain. He’s improved as a passer, but what really sets him apart is his ability to make plays with his legs when the pocket breaks down.
His Heisman moment came in Alabama’s electrifying 41-34 win over No. 2-ranked Georgia, where Milroe threw for 374 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another 79 yards and two more scores. It was a signature game that solidified his place in the Heisman race.
At +250 odds to win the Heisman, Milroe is one of the favorites, and with performances like this, it’s easy to see why he’s emerged as a leading contender.
Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes
Cam Ward entered the season as a potential breakout player, but through four weeks, he’s exceeded expectations, making a case for being the best quarterback in college football. Leading Miami to a 4-0 start, Ward has thrown for 1,427 yards and 14 touchdowns, with no interceptions, while completing over 300 yards and three touchdowns in each game.
His Heisman moment came in the season opener against Florida, where Ward threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-17 win, sending a clear message that Miami was a team to watch. His consistency through September has been remarkable, as the Hurricanes have outscored their opponents by a massive margin of 209-41.
Ward is currently on pace to throw for over 4,200 yards and 40 touchdowns this season, a stat line that would certainly keep him in the Heisman conversation.
His odds currently sit at +600, making him one of the top quarterbacks to challenge for the trophy in 2024.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos
Ashton Jeanty is making waves in the 2024 season, not just for his explosive play but for the historic pace he’s on. Leading the nation with 845 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on just 82 carries, Jeanty is averaging an eye-popping 10.3 yards per carry—numbers that place him squarely in the Heisman conversation.
What makes Jeanty’s season even more special is that he’s on pace to break legendary records. If he continues at this rate, he’s projected to finish with over 2,500 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns, which would break Barry Sanders’ single-season touchdown record of 37 and come within striking distance of Sanders’ 2,628-yard rushing record. That kind of production puts him in rarefied air.
Playing for a non-Power Four team makes his path to the Heisman more challenging, but Jeanty’s stats are impossible to ignore.
With +800 odds to win, he’s not just a dark horse anymore—he’s a real contender for the award, and if he keeps this up, we could see him in New York City in December.