Dillon Gabriel, Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, and Cam Ward Named 2024 Heisman Trophy Finalists
The stage is set, and the spotlight is shining brightly on four of college football’s most electrifying stars. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and Miami’s Cam Ward have been announced as the finalists for the 2024 Heisman Trophy. The announcement came Monday night, and now the countdown begins to Saturday, when one of these standout athletes will hoist the most prestigious individual award in college football.
The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually since 1935, recognizes the nation’s most outstanding college football player. This year, the winner will be revealed in New York City, where the top four vote-getters—determined by a panel of over 900 voters, including media members and former Heisman winners—will gather for the ceremony. Let’s break down what makes each of these finalists so deserving of this honor.
Dillon Gabriel: The Steady Hand Behind Oregon’s Dominance
After transferring from Oklahoma in the offseason, Dillon Gabriel has been nothing short of spectacular for the Oregon Ducks. Leading the team to an unbeaten season and a Big Ten championship in their first year in the league, Gabriel has been the engine driving the top-ranked Ducks. His numbers speak for themselves: he averages 274 passing yards per game, has thrown for 28 touchdowns, and has only six interceptions. But perhaps the most eye-popping stat is his 73.2% completion rate, which ranks second in the nation. Gabriel’s precision and poise have made him a cornerstone of Oregon’s success this season.
Travis Hunter: The Ultimate Two-Way Threat
Colorado’s Travis Hunter is rewriting the playbook on what it means to be a two-way player. Hunter has been a force on both sides of the ball, earning All-Big 12 first-team honors as a receiver and being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. On offense, he leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns, while his 1,152 receiving yards rank second in the conference. His knack for big plays is unmatched, as he leads the nation with 21 receptions of 20-plus yards. On defense, Hunter has recorded 31 tackles, tied for the Big 12 lead with 11 pass breakups, and snagged four interceptions, tying for second in the conference. Simply put, Hunter is a game-changer every time he steps on the field.
Ashton Jeanty: A Historic Season on the Ground
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has put together one of the most productive rushing seasons in college football history. The junior running back has racked up 2,497 rushing yards, the fourth-highest single-season total in Football Bowl Subdivision history. His 192.1 rushing yards per game lead the nation by a staggering 58-yard margin over the next closest player. Jeanty is also the first FBS player to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season since 2019. His ability to dominate on the ground has been nothing short of remarkable, and his name will be etched in the record books for years to come.
Cam Ward: The ACC’s Offensive Maestro
Miami quarterback Cam Ward has been lighting up defenses all season long. Named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Ward has been a revelation for the Hurricanes. He leads the nation with 36 touchdown passes and has thrown just seven interceptions, showcasing his ability to take care of the football while making big plays. Averaging 343.6 passing yards per game, Ward has been the heartbeat of Miami’s offense and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
What’s Next?
As we inch closer to Saturday’s ceremony, the debate over who should win the Heisman Trophy is heating up. Each of these players has a compelling case, and their performances this season have captivated fans across the country. Will it be Gabriel’s precision, Hunter’s versatility, Jeanty’s historic rushing, or Ward’s aerial dominance that earns the ultimate prize? One thing is certain: all four finalists have left an indelible mark on the 2024 college football season.
Here’s a quick recap of the finalists’ standout achievements:
- Dillon Gabriel: 73.2% completion rate (2nd in the nation), 28 touchdowns, led Oregon to an unbeaten season and Big Ten title.
- Travis Hunter: 92 receptions, 14 receiving touchdowns, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, 21 plays of 20+ yards (leads the nation).
- Ashton Jeanty: 2,497 rushing yards (4th all-time in FBS), 192.1 rushing yards per game (leads the nation).
- Cam Ward: 36 touchdown passes (leads the nation), 343.6 passing yards per game, AP ACC Offensive Player of the Year.
Mark your calendars for Saturday night, when the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner will be crowned. No matter who takes home the hardware, this year’s finalists have already cemented their legacies as some of the best to ever play the game.
Originally Written by: ESPN News Services
