The Heisman race is heating up and it’s a fun one. From Travis Hunter to Ashton Jeanty and Dillon Gabriel, here’s a look at who are the current favorites to win the most prestigious award in college football.
The college football regular season is reaching its final stretch and there are playoff spots up for grabs as well as Heisman campaigns that will be won and lost.
Per FanDuel Sportsbook , Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is currently the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at -115, followed by Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel (+360), Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (+360) and Miami quarterback Cam Ward (+800).
Let’s take a look at why Hunter, Gabriel, Jeanty and Ward are among the favorites wo win the Heisman.
Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter (-115)
Hunter could be the first two-way player to win the Heisman since Michigan’s Charles Woodson did so in 1997. Hunter has truly been an iron man this season, playing 1,065 of Colorado’s 1,290 snaps. Hunter has 69 catches for 856 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense Hunter has two interceptions and a forced fumble. Per Pro Football Focus, Hunter has allowed only 125 yards receiving with no touchdowns over 519 defensive reps. Without Hunter Colorado wouldn’t be 7-2 on the year and in position to play in the Big 12 Championship Game.
Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel (+360)
Quarterbacking an undefeated team ranked No. 1 in the nation always helps a Heisman campaign, as does Gabriel’s excellent numbers. Gabriel ranks No. 2 in the country in Total QBR at 86.5, leads the FBS with a 74% completion rate and has thrown for 2,848 yards with 22 passing touchdowns and five interceptions along with 148 rushing yards and six rushing scores. Gabriel came up clutch against now No. 2 Ohio State in a 32-31 Oregon win earlier this year, throwing for 341 yards, three passing touchdowns and one rushing score. If Oregon can finish the regular season undefeated and win the Big Ten Championship, Gabriel will be in the thick of the Heisman debate.
Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (+360)
Jeanty has had a prolific season and is up to 1,734 rushing yards with 23 rushing touchdowns and one receiving score. Jeanty could make a run for Barry Sanders’ single season rushing record of 2628 yards. Boise State could potentially play at least five more games this season depending on if the make the Mountain West Championship and earn a College Football Playoff Berth. Jeanty shouldn’t be counted out, as he’s averaging 192.7 yards per game and is coming off a 209 yard and three touchdown performance against Nevada. If Jeanty somehow wins the Heisman he’d be the first non-Power Five player to win since BYU quarterback Ty Detmer back in 1990.
Miami QB Cam Ward (+800)
While Ward’s had an eye-popping season and is poised to be an electric NFL player, but he and Miami are coming off a tough 28-23 loss to unranked Georgia Tech and his Heisman chances took a hit in the process. Ward’s thrown for 3,493 yards with 32 passing touchdowns and six interceptions along with 182 rushing yards and three rushing scores.
Who do you think will win the Heisman this season? Let us know in the comments.