Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, and Cam Ward Lead the Tightest Heisman Race in Years
Nothing about this year’s Heisman Trophy race has gone according to the usual script. For starters, there’s a glaring absence of SEC players in the mix—a conference that has dominated the award, winning four of the past five trophies. That alone is enough to make this year’s race feel different, but the surprises don’t stop there.
Even more shocking? The top four players from ESPN’s midseason Heisman list are still holding strong, albeit in a slightly shuffled order. Colorado’s electrifying receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter has leapfrogged Boise State’s standout running back Ashton Jeanty to claim the top spot. But don’t get too comfortable with that ranking—only five points separate the two, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish as the season winds down.
And let’s not forget the quarterbacks. Historically, this award has been a QB’s playground. Since 2000, quarterbacks have taken home the Heisman 20 times. The only exceptions in the past 14 years? Wide receiver Devonta Smith in 2020 and running back Derrick Henry in 2015. Adding to the intrigue, no player from outside a Power Five conference has won the award since Ty Detmer in 1990. Could this be the year that changes?
Here’s how ESPN’s panel of 12 writers voted on their top Heisman candidates heading into the final week of the regular season. Each voter selected their top five players, with first-place votes earning five points, second-place votes earning four, and so on. In total, 10 players received votes, but only five made the cut for this list.
1. Travis Hunter, DB/WR, Colorado
Total points: 56 (first-place votes: 9)
Travis Hunter is rewriting the rulebook for what’s possible in college football. His versatility is unmatched, and that’s why he’s now the frontrunner for the Heisman. Let’s start with the basics: Hunter has played an astonishing 1,266 snaps this season, more than any player since ESPN began tracking snap counts in 2018. But it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality.
On offense, Hunter has racked up 82 catches for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns, tying for the second-most receiving touchdowns in a single season in Colorado’s history. On defense, he’s just as dominant, with three interceptions. He’s the first player since at least 1980 to record 1,000 receiving yards and three interceptions in the same season. Talk about a two-way star!
His snap count is nearly evenly split: 602 on offense, 640 on defense, and 24 on special teams. For context, the only other player to log at least 200 snaps on both sides of the ball since 2018 is—you guessed it—Travis Hunter, who did it last year.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, who knows a thing or two about playing both ways, summed it up perfectly: “It’s supposed to go to the best college football player. I think that’s been a wrap since, what? Week 2?”
ESPN BET Heisman odds: -800
2. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Total points: 51 (first-place votes: 3)
Ashton Jeanty has been a human highlight reel for Boise State this season. With 2,062 rushing yards through 11 games, he leads the nation by nearly 600 yards. He’s also the first player since 2019 to surpass the 2,000-yard mark. Jeanty’s consistency is jaw-dropping—he’s rushed for 125 or more yards in 11 straight games, a feat last accomplished by Troy Davis in 1996.
Jeanty is on the verge of joining an exclusive club. He needs just three more rushing touchdowns to become only the second player in FBS history, alongside Barry Sanders, to record 30 rushing touchdowns and 2,000 rushing yards in a single season.
Despite a slight dip in production recently, Jeanty remains a force to be reckoned with. Even when defenses slow him down, he finds ways to make an impact, as evidenced by his game-winning plays against UNLV and Wyoming.
ESPN BET Heisman odds: +600
3. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Total points: 34
Miami’s Cam Ward is bringing the swagger back to “Quarterback U.” Ward has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the Hurricanes to the No. 1 ranking in total offense with 541.5 yards per game. He’s already broken school records for touchdown passes (34), passing yards (3,774), and completions (268).
Ward’s ability to bounce back from adversity has been key. After a tough loss to Georgia Tech, he responded with a dominant performance against Wake Forest. With the ACC championship and College Football Playoff hopes still alive, Ward’s next games could define his Heisman campaign.
ESPN BET Heisman odds: +1200
4. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
Total points: 26
Dillon Gabriel has been a model of consistency throughout his six-year career. This season, he’s completing a career-high 73.8% of his passes and has guided Oregon to an undefeated record and the No. 1 ranking. Gabriel also set the NCAA FBS record for total touchdowns (179) earlier this month.
However, his recent performances have been less explosive, leaving room for improvement as Oregon heads into critical matchups against Washington and the Big Ten championship game.
ESPN BET Heisman odds: +5000
5. Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
Total points: 8
Cam Skattebo has been a revelation for Arizona State, ranking second in the nation in all-purpose yards with 1,681. Known for his bruising running style, Skattebo has forced 86 missed tackles this season, second only to Jeanty. His fourth-quarter heroics have been particularly impressive, making him a fan favorite in Tempe.
Off the field, Skattebo’s popularity has soared thanks to his NIL deal for the “Skatteburger,” with proceeds benefiting the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. It’s hard not to root for this guy.
ESPN BET Heisman odds: N/A
Also Receiving Votes
- Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, RB (1 point)
- Kyle Kennard, South Carolina, DE (1 point)
- Bryson Daily, Army, QB (1 point)
- Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green, TE (1 point)
- Tyler Warren, Penn State, TE (1 point)
Originally Written by: Andrea Adelson
