As the 2024-25 college football season approaches, excitement is in the air with the expansion of the College Football Playoffs and teams shifting conferences. With top talents like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels moving on to the NFL, this year’s Heisman Trophy race is wide open. Historically, quarterbacks dominate this award, so the spotlight is firmly on signal-callers.
With Heisman Trophy odds now available at FanDuel college football, let’s take a closer look at just a few of the top contenders for the award and predict who might be taking home the coveted trophy in 2024.
Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel is making waves as the new quarterback for the Oregon Ducks after a successful career at Oklahoma. Having thrown for over 6,800 yards and 55 touchdowns, he’s no stranger to high-stakes football. Last season, Gabriel showcased his abilities by ranking fifth in yards per attempt and eighth in completion percentage among quarterbacks with significant playing time. But what sets him apart isn’t just his passing. He’s also a dual-threat weapon; last season, he racked up 373 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, proving he can effectively navigate the pocket and produce on the ground.
Why does this matter for the Heisman race? For starters, dual-threat quarterbacks often draw attention, as they’re harder for defenses to contain. Gabriel’s knack for making plays under pressure—evident from his impressive numbers when facing defenders—makes him an intriguing candidate. Plus, the trajectory of a player’s team can significantly influence Heisman voters. With the Ducks projected to win 11-plus games this season, Gabriel will likely be in the spotlight, and winning is key.
In this sixth year, with the support of coach Dan Lanning, Gabriel has the potential not only to lead Oregon to victories but also to claim the coveted Heisman Trophy. Keep an eye on this talented playmaker as the season unfolds; he could be making history.
Jalen Milroe
Jalen Milroe’s journey as the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide has been anything but predictable. Early in the 2023-24 season, he struggled to find his rhythm, leading to a benching that raised eyebrows. However, as the season progressed, Milroe proved his resilience. Over his final six games, he showcased substantial improvement, completing 67.2% of his passes for 1,217 yards and ten touchdowns. Not to mention, he added an impressive 389 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns to his tally. This dual-threat capability makes Milroe particularly dangerous; he’s not just a passer but a genuine offensive weapon.
With the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban, many are curious about how Alabama will fare under new leadership. Kalen Deboer, who achieved remarkable success with the Washington Huskies, steps in, bringing fresh optimism. The Tide’s projected win total sits at 9.5, and Milroe’s standout performances could be key in surpassing that mark. His ability to make explosive plays both through the air and on the ground gives him a unique edge over traditional pocket passers in the Heisman race. As Alabama looks to maintain its dominance, keep an eye on Milroe; his potential to elevate the Crimson Tide might just lead him to Heisman glory this year.
Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter is a player who challenges the status quo in college football. As a rare two-way talent for the Colorado Buffaloes, he’s not just pigeonholed into one role. Last season, Hunter made a splash on offense with 57 catches, 721 receiving yards, and five touchdowns, showcasing his capability as a dynamic wide receiver. But that’s just half the story. On the defensive side, he turned heads with 30 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass deflections, proving he can hold his own against some of the best receivers out there.
Now, the road to the Heisman isn’t easy. For starters, he’s not playing as a quarterback, and the Buffaloes have a modest win projection of 5.5 this season. That’s a disadvantage because history shows Heisman voters tend to favor winning teams, especially when the quarterback is the face of that success. However, with Hunter’s unique ability to shine on both sides of the ball, he has a chance to change the narrative. If Colorado can elevate its play even slightly, and if Hunter continues to post impressive stats, he could easily find himself in the Heisman conversation. In this unprecedented landscape, keep an eye on Hunter—he’s not just a player to watch; he might just redefine what it means to contend for college football’s highest honor.
Other Top Contenders
Carson Beck, along with Gabriel, is considered the favorite entering the season. Beck will face some challenges, though, and must adjust after losing stars Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers to the NFL. Beck is coming off an extraordinary season, throwing for 3,941 yards, ranking him No. 1 in the SEC and No. 3 in all of college football. He and the Bulldogs are expected to be ranked either first or second entering the season in the preseason polls.
Quinn Ewers bypassed the NFL Draft so he could come back to Texas and try to lead them to a national championship. Ewers ranked in the top 10 a year ago with a 69.0 completion percentage, helping lead the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff. Like Beck, though, Ewers will be challenged after losing two of his biggest weapons, Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy.
Will Howard transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State in hopes of not just winning a national championship but also a Heisman Trophy. Howard’s dual-threat abilities are ideal for the new offensive system in Columbus led by coordinator Chip Kelly. Like Georgia, Howard and the Buckeyes are expected to be ranked either first or second when the season begins.
Conclusion
With the college football landscape constantly evolving, it’s challenging to predict who will take the Heisman Trophy in 2024. But Dillon Gabriel, Jalen Milroe, and Travis Hunter stand out among the top contenders for the award along with Carson Beck, Will Howard, and Quinn Ewers. Whether it’s their impressive on-field performances or their unique abilities that set them apart from other players, these players are worth keeping an eye on throughout this season.
So, who will ultimately walk away with the Heisman Trophy? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: with these talented players leading their teams, it’s bound to be an exciting race to watch. So, make sure to tune in and see if your predictions align with reality.