There may be no more storied award in American sports than the Heisman Trophy. Dating all the way back to 1935, the Heisman is awarded to college football’s most outstanding player each year. In 2023, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels won the trophy, with Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, and Marvin Harrison Jr. finishing as finalists behind him. All four of those players have since departed for the NFL, leaving a wide open race behind them. Heading into last season, Jayden Daniels wasn’t on many Heisman radars. He went on to have a historic season and win the trophy in a landslide. Will a current frontrunner take the title this season, or is a darkhorse candidate waiting in the wings? As we begin the 2024 season, I’ve put together my top five contenders for the Heisman Trophy this year.
5. Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State RB
Look, I know it’s been almost a decade since a running back won the Heisman. This is largely a quarterback award at this point and I’m coming to terms with that. But Ollie Gordon has a real chance to become the first player ever to win the Doak Walker Award twice. He totaled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 22 touchdowns last season. Gordon started his collegiate career as a three-star recruit, with 40 other running backs ranked ahead of him in his class. He surpassed all 40 of them to become the best running back in college football, and he’s set up to defend that title. Oklahoma State has one of the most talented and experienced offensive lines in the country, made up of all seniors. If any running back can steal the Heisman from the quarterbacks, it’s Ollie Gordon.
4. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss QB
Let me tell you, I am excited about this Ole Miss team. I have them as my number two team in the SEC, and Jaxson Dart was a driving factor in that decision. In 2023, Dart scored a total of 31 touchdowns and earned a passing grade of 83.3 from PFF, which ranked third among starting SEC quarterbacks. After throwing eleven interceptions in his sophomore season, he cleaned up his game, reducing the number to five as a junior. Aside from a November matchup against Georgia at home, the Rebels have as easy of a schedule as you’ll find in the SEC. If they can finish 11-1, Jaxson Dart will surely be in Heisman conversations.
3. Travis Hunter, Colorado WR/CB
Travis Hunter was garnering Heisman attention last season before his injury against Colorado State and the sharp downturn in Colorado’s record. He is one of the most captivating players in the country and is truly a star at both receiver and corner. The Buffaloes will have the eyes of the media on them once again in 2024, giving Hunter the perfect opportunity to showcase his impact. The most prominent concern for Hunter’s Heisman hopes may not be about Hunter himself, but rather his team. Colorado finished with only four wins last season. If Travis Hunter is to become a Heisman finalist, the Buffs may need to double that total. Only one defensive player has ever won the Heisman Trophy. Travis Hunter could change that on a technicality.
2. Will Howard, Ohio State QB
While I believe Will Howard is a good quarterback, he wouldn’t be on this list if he were on another team. I have Ohio State as my top team in the country heading into the season. They have one of, if not the most talented roster in college football and should find themselves in the playoff come December. No player has won the Heisman while winning less than 10 games since Lamar Jackson did it in 2016. Howard’s dual-threat ability will add some dynamism to an offensive unit that had a relative down year with Kyle McCord in 2023. Howard will be the conductor of an elite offense and will have plenty of moments in primetime to capture the nation’s attention.
1. Carson Beck, Georgia QB
Carson Beck may be on the best team in the country, and he may just be the best quarterback in the country. In his first full year as Georgia’s starter, Beck threw for nearly 4,000 yards and totaled 28 touchdowns with an efficient 72.2 completion percentage. Georgia has a very difficult schedule this season, including matchups against Clemson, Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss. If the Bulldogs can make it through that gauntlet with two losses or less, they’d almost certainly be a playoff team. It’s hard to imagine Beck not becoming a Heisman finalist if his team can stay near the top of the rankings throughout the season.
