The Heisman Trophy is widely regarded as the most prestigious individual award in all of college sports. From CFB legend Charles Woodson, the only defensive player to ever win the award, to LSU QB Jayden Daniels, the most recent recipient, the trophy is awarded to the most Outstanding Player in the Nation. Here, we look at the players most likely to hold the honor come December.

1. WR/CB Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter achieved one of the most impressive campaigns in CFB history in 2024. He was a two-way player last season, and despite missing three games, he played more snaps than any other player in all of FBS. He won the Paul Hornung Award for being the “Nation’s Most Versatile Player” and was also named a consensus 1st team All-American, both athletically and academically.

Hunter exudes a certain aura when he steps onto the field; Opposing teams seem to sense it as well. He gained over 720 receiving yards last season while intercepting 3 passes on defense. For comparison, during his 1997-98 Heisman campaign, Charles Woodson had 11 receptions, accounting for 231 yards, compared to Hunter’s 57 receptions.

If the Buffalo player can put up better stats than his previous season, a feat more easily said than done, he very well could head into the NFL with some hardware.

2. QB Quinn Ewers

Ewers continued the ever-growing tradition of future NFL QBs committing to Ohio State only to transfer later, as he did as a freshman. His game-changing talent is something the Buckeyes long for, but that’s beside the point.

Ewers began his career as a freshman at OSU, taking two snaps against Michigan State. He then transferred to Texas, where the team named him the in 2022. Although his 2022 campaign did not stand out, he displayed flashes of the talent that made him a highly sought-after prospect. Last season, he set a new standard for Texas QBs by throwing for nearly 3,500 yards and achieving a 69% completion rate.

Unlike Hunter, Ewers might only need to replicate last year’s campaign to win the Heisman. He automatically gains “brownie points,” for being a QB, a factor that many consider a damaging bias in the trophy’s voting process.

3. QB Carson Beck

A highly regarded recruit out of High School, Beck has long lived in the shadow of Stetson Bennett. Bulldog fans have highly criticized the young talent, not for his lack of production, but for not living up to the unrealistic expectations that Bennett set.

That could all change in 2024.

Coming out of Florida, one advantage that Beck has that can’t be taught is his frame, standing at 6’4 220 pounds. It can be difficult to tackle a QB when he’s the same size as you. In short, Georgia’s QB is no Kyler Murray. He was highly efficient last year for the Dawgs, putting up nearly 4,000 yards on a 72.4% completion rate.

Beck’s biggest strength is his size, but it also might be what holds him back. On 60 carries last season, he averaged just 1.9 ypc. Regardless of being a QB, in today’s college game every player on the field must be an athlete first. If he can harness the speed we all know he possesses he’ll earn an invite to New York.

Dark Horse Candidates

While there is typically a three man race for the Heisman, we sometimes see players come from nowhere. Among those in 2024 are:

1. RB Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
2. CB Will Johnson (Michigan)
3. QB Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
4. WR Zachariah Branch (USC)
5. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)

Each of these candidates bring something different to the table, from Jalen Milroe and his rise from mediocracy to greatness, or Shedeur Sanders who is your typical NFL big personality QB.

No matter who wins the Heisman, it’s sure to be a race to follow. Blitz Sportz will have you covered all season long, with CFB takes and analysis daily. Be sure to follow up on your favorite team and let us know what you’d like to see more of.