Heisman Watch: Week 10

As we enter Week 11, the college football season is starting to heat up. The initial college football playoff rankings were just released and the top teams in each conference are beginning to make their presence known.

November also signals the beginning of the end of the Heisman race. The coveted award will be awarded Dec. 14 and four of the nation’s best college football stars will get suited up as Heisman finalists in the New York City ceremony.

With this in mind, let’s dive into the frontrunners for this year’s award.

Ashton Jeanty

Jeanty has been special this season and that’s likely a massive understatement.

The junior running back has helped power Boise State to a 7-1 mark on the season with the Broncos' only loss coming against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks by a 37-34 score.

Jeanty currently leads the FBS in rushing yards with 1,525 which is 246 yards ahead of Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson. The Broncos’ star is also averaging eight yards per carry.

For reference, Jeanty closed out his 2023 season with 1,347 yards. Currently, Boise State still has four games left for Jeanty to tear it up in the regular season.

A Heisman candidate from outside of the Power 5 always garners attention, making Jeanty a candidate that fans in Boise and beyond can root for.

Cam Ward

Miami’s turnaround season can largely be attributed to their senior signal-caller. After going 7-6 last year, Ward has powered his team to a perfect 9-0 record going into Week 11.

The transfer quarterback ranks second in passing yards with 3,146 and first in touchdown passes with 29. In addition, his QBR currently sits at 91.7.

Last week, Ward padded his Heisman resume. He completed 25 of his 41 pass attempts for 400 yards, five touchdown passes and one interception in a 53-31 win over Duke.

The senior’s immediate impact in his first season with the Hurricanes will give Heisman voters zero pause when they cast their ballots.

Dillon Gabriel

Similar to Ward, Gabriel is a senior transfer who has shined in his new uniform. In their first season in the Big Ten, Oregon has proven that they are built to take on the conference’s best.

In the home win over Ohio State, Gabriel was 23-of-34 on his passing attempts with 341 passing yards and two touchdowns. Not bad numbers against a powerful Buckeyes team.

On the season, Gabriel has thrown for 2,665 yards and 19 touchdowns compared to only five interceptions with an 88.1 QBR.

Competing at such a high level in a new-look Big Ten conference is sure to boost Gabriel’s Heisman odds down the stretch.

Travis Hunter

Hunter, known for being a two-way star, brings a flashy style of play that has bolstered Colorado in the program’s second year under head coach Deion Sanders.

The Buffaloes are already bowl-eligible at 6-2, improving on last year’s four-win season.

Looking at the numbers, Hunter has 757 yards receiving, 8 touchdown receptions and he’s averaging 12.6 yards per catch.

Defensively, Hunter has racked up 20 total tackles with two interceptions.

Playing on both sides of the football is almost unheard of in today’s game, making Hunter a unique candidate. However, if the junior can maintain a consistent level of production he will not be forgotten in this Heisman race.

Isaac Hallock is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email idh5055@psu.edu