Heisman Watch: The finalists

Heisman voting has concluded, the voters have put pen to paper and the finalists have been announced.

Let’s talk about each of the candidates and what I think their chances are to bring home the coveted trophy.

WR/CB, Travis Hunter, Colorado

It is weird to not put a true position next to the name of a Heisman contender, but for Hunter that is exactly what you have to do.

Hunter was the number one recruit coming out of high school but shocked the nation by committing to FCS school Jackson State to play with Deion Sanders.

Hunter would follow Sanders to Colorado once he would be hired as the head coach.

Hunter has shined as both a corner and a wide receiver this season, being nominated for the top performer award at both positions alongside the Heisman.

As a receiver, Hunter has caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a defensive back, he has 32 tackles, 11 passes defended and four interceptions.

One other key for Hunter’s Heisman campaign has been his ability to play almost the entire game at both positions.

I believe Hunter will win the Heisman, but do I agree with him winning it? That’s a very different story.

HB, Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Now onto the man I personally feel should be the Heisman winner this season.

Ashton Jeanty has burst onto the scene this season, both figuratively and literally.

He has rushed for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. He has carried the ball 344 times for one of the highest workloads in the country.

Jeanty has powered Boise State to the playoff, something that only one other Heisman finalist can say.

He is also on pace to potentially break the NCAA season rushing record set by all-time-great Barry Sanders.

If Jeanty were to win the award, it would have to mean that they value greatness at one position, over above-average play at multiple positions.

QB, Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

Oregon has churned out yet another super-senior Heisman contender.

Will this time be the charm?

Dillon Gabriel transferred in this season after stints at UCF and Oklahoma using his covid eligibility for one final season.

Leading the Ducks to a Big Ten championship and a college football playoff berth, Gabriel has thrown for 3,558 yards along with 28 touchdowns. Gabriel has also rushed for seven touchdowns this season.

The best feature of Gabriel is not his stats, but the success of his team. Oregon is still undefeated and seeded number one in the college football playoff.

If voters take team success into account, Gabriel could gain some extra votes.

QB, Cam Ward, Miami

Our final contender is one that arguably could’ve been denied an invite to New York.

Ward was balling for Miami early in the season, and his performance elevated the team to one of the top ranked squads in the nation.

However, with losses to Georgia Tech and Syracuse, the Hurricanes did not earn a spot in the ACC championship or the college football playoff.

Ward has thrown for 4,123 yards and 36 touchdowns through the air. Ward has also added four touchdowns on the ground this season.

Ward has the statistical advantage but he wasn’t able to bring the level of success that the other players have.

Some could argue Tyler Warren should have been the man to be the fourth finalist. Warren has been phenomenal and versatile for a Penn State offense that has revolved around him, but alas Ward got the nod.

Luke Stefanisko is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ljs6415@psu.edu.