Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, Dillon Gabriel and Cam Ward were named 2024 Heisman Trophy finalists. The winner of the 2024 Heisman Trophy will be announced at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 14 on ESPN. Here's what you need to know about the finalists.
Finalists are sorted alphabetically by last name
Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel is looking to become the second Oregon quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy, following in the footsteps of Marcus Mariota in 2014. The only other Ducks to finish in the top three of voting were Joey Harrington in 2001, LaMichael James in 2010 and Bo Nix in 2023.
Gabriel has also climbed the all-time career passing touchdowns list, currently at 153 touchdowns, just two shy of tying the record.
Season Stats: 3,558 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, 73.2% completion percentage, 6 interceptions, 192 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns
Oregon Rank and Record: No. 1 — 13-0 (9-0)
Best game: vs. Penn State (Big Ten Championship) — 68% completion for 283 yards and 4 touchdowns
2024 HEISMAN TROPHY: Time, TV channel, finalists, how to watch online
Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter is looking to become the first defensive player to win the Heisman since Charles Woodson in 1997; he's also looking to become the first wide receiver to win the award since DeVonta Smith in 2020. Yes, Hunter plays both offense and defense. That's what makes his Heisman case so special, Hunter has been one of the best players in the country at two positions all season long. Hunter could become the first Colorado player to win the Heisman since Rashaan Salaam in 1994.
Season Stats: 92 catches, 1,152 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown, 31 tackles (20 solo), 11 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 1 force fumble
Colorado Rank and Record: No. 23 — 9-3 (7-2)
Best game: vs. Oklahoma State — 10 catches for 116 yards and 3 touchdowns; 1 interception, 2 pass breakups, 1 tackle
HEISMAN HISTORY: Top three finishers all-time | Closest voting finishes | Teams with most winners
Ashton Jeanty
Until now, the only Heisman finalist from Boise State was Kellen Moore in 2010. No player from Boise State has ever won the Heisman Trophy. Running back Ashton Jeanty could be the first. He also would be the first running back to win the Heisman trophy since Derrick Henry did so in 2015. Yet, it's another Heisman-winning running back that has Ashton Jeanty in an elite group; Barry Sanders.
Jeanty's 2,497 rushing yards are the second-most in FBS history before a bowl game, trailing only Barry Sanders' 2,628 yards. His 29 rushing touchdowns are tied for the fourth-most pre-bowl game, only behind Barry Sanders, Montee Ball and Devin Singletary. Jeanty is tied with Army quarterback Bryson Daily for the most rushing touchdowns so far this season.
Season Stats: 344 carries, 2,497 rushing yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, 20 catches, 116 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown.
Boise State Rank and Record: No. 9 — 12-1 (7-0)
Best game: vs. Georgia Southern — 20 carries for 267 yards and 6 touchdowns
ALL-TIME: College football single-season rushing yard leaders
Cam Ward
Cam Ward is the first Heisman finalist from the Miami Hurricanes since Ken Dorsey was a finalist in back-to-back years in 2001-02. A Hurricane hasn't won the Heisman since Gino Torretta in 1992, with Vinny Testaverde's 1986 win being the only other Heisman win in the storied program's history. In 2024, Cam Ward sits first nationally in passing touchdowns, second in passing yards and fifth in passer rating.
Season Stats: 4,123 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns, 67.4% completion percentage, 7 interceptions, 196 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns
Miami Rank and Record: No. 13 — 10-2 (6-2)
Best game: vs. Duke — 61% completion for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns
MORE HEISMAN: Active NFL Heisman winners | Heisman CFP performances | Heisman top draft picks
Transfers
Three of the four Heisman finalists are transfers. Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oregon from Oklahoma (with a prior stop at UCF), Travis Hunter transferred to Colorado from Jackson State (an FCS HBCU) and Cam Ward transferred to Miami from Washington State (with a prior stop at FCS school UIW).
If any win the Heisman, it would mark the sixth time in the last eight years that a transfer — whether immediate or a few years removed — has won the trophy.
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