In recent years, the Heisman frontrunner can change from week to week. A player can be the frontrunner for an entire season and lose that spot after just one bad game.
The same can happen in reverse.
Cam Newton secured his Heisman campaign after single-handedly defeating Alabama, and Johnny Manziel had a big game in Tuscaloosa. We all know how crucial it is for a player to have a late-season Heisman moment.
We are just one month into what could be the most memorable season in college football history, and the Heisman race is as tight as the race for the 12 playoff spots.
Frontrunner: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The junior running back from Jacksonville, Florida has already scored more touchdowns this season than last year, and he is less than 400 yards away from surpassing his rushing yards total from the previous year. Jeanty currently leads the country in rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry. He caught the nation's attention when he ran for 192 yards and three touchdowns against Oregon at Autzen. In the first month, Jeanty has had two games with over 250 yards and only one with less than 3 rushing touchdowns.
Runner Up: QB Cam Ward, Miami
Miami has not had a Heisman winner since Vinny Testaverde won in 1987 and has not played a championship game since 2002. Ward may be the reason both of those droughts come to an end. Ward leads the country in passing yards and touchdowns, completing 69% of his passes. The transfer out of Washington State had a tough outing against Virginia Tech a couple of weeks ago, but being the best player on a top-ten team in the country grants you some grace.
Third Wheel: QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
It seems like Gabriel has been playing college football for over a decade. He is attending his third school since 2019 and is finally being recognized as a potential Heisman finalist. Gabriel leads Oregon’s offense, completing 80% of his passes, and plays a huge role in why the Ducks are one of the favorites to come out of the College Football Playoffs as champions. Gabriel has left his mark at UCF and Oklahoma, but a Heisman will cement his long collegiate career.
The Forgotten One: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Milroe could possibly be the most improved player this year on this list. Recognized last season for his legs mainly, Milroe has become a much better dual-threat quarterback. The junior out of Katy, Texas is completing 73% of his passes with 11 passing touchdowns on the year so far. Milroe has been virtually unstoppable in some games this season but the historical loss to Vanderbilt is going to hurt his resume.
Darkhorse: ATH Travis Hunter, Colorado
Arguably the most talented player in the country, Hunter has scored six touchdowns and nabbed three interceptions. If he were on an SEC team, he would be a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy. However, for this dual-threat player to win the Heisman, Colorado will need to perform exceptionally well for the rest of the season, meaning they must win the Big 12, and Coach Prime may need to do some campaigning.
