As the say of broadway, the stage is set, the anticipation is growing. The 2024 Heisman Trophy race has come down to four extraordinary athletes, each with their own claim to college football greatness. The finalists were revealed tonight (Dec. 9) by 1989 Heisman winner Andre Ware on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown — and now the countdown to the most coveted individual honor in sports begins in earnest.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. ET, ESPN will air the Heisman Trophy Ceremony Presented by Nissan, where the winner will be revealed in a dazzling celebration of college football’s finest. But before that, on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. ET, ESPN will spotlight the top-10 finishers in the Top 10 Heisman Trophy Finalists Show, building the tension even further.
For the sixth consecutive year, there will be four finalists vying for the Heisman — a tradition established by the Heisman Trophy Trust in 2021. Since 1982, the finalists have gathered in New York City, and this year’s ceremony promises to be one for the history books. But there’s more at stake than just the trophy. There are snubs, and there are players who defied all expectations and made the race tighter than ever.
Among those who made the cut, there are some storylines impossible to ignore:
Dillon Gabriel, the electric Oregon quarterback, has rewritten the record books and propelled the Ducks to an undefeated 13-0 season, an emphatic Big Ten Championship, and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. Gabriel, a senior from Mililani, Hawaii, not only shattered FBS career records, but his numbers — 3,558 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and an NCAA-leading 187 career touchdowns — are enough to make even the most seasoned Heisman voters pause.
Then there’s Travis Hunter, the ultimate dual-threat star from Colorado. The junior cornerback and wide receiver has taken college football by storm, earning All-Big 12 honors on both sides of the ball. With 92 receptions, 14 receiving touchdowns, and 31 tackles to go with 4 interceptions and 15 pass breakups, Hunter has proven he’s one of the most dynamic athletes in the game today. His electrifying performances, including multiple 100-yard games and several three-touchdown outings, have captured the imagination of fans everywhere — yet some wonder: Could his dazzling all-around play have earned him more Heisman buzz?
Ashton Jeanty of Boise State is a force to be reckoned with as well. The junior running back from Jacksonville, Florida, has had a historic season, rushing for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns — both of which lead the nation. His 125-yard streak across 13 games and record-setting performances are nothing short of legendary. He’s broken school records, conference records, and even etched his name into the FBS history books with the second-most rushing yards in a regular season ever. With an MVP performance in the Mountain West Championship game, Jeanty has proven he belongs in the conversation. But did he do enough to sway the voters?
Cam Ward, the sensational quarterback from Miami, has been rewriting the Hurricanes’ record book all season long. With 36 passing touchdowns and over 4,100 yards, Ward has been the driving force behind an offense that leads the nation in scoring. His leadership has put Miami back on the map, and his incredible stretch of seven consecutive 300-yard games is unparalleled. But with so many standout performances across the country, did Ward’s play in a stacked ACC earn him enough recognition to crack the final four?
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: the players who were left out of the final four. Shedeur Sanders, for example, has captivated fans with his electrifying performances at quarterback for Colorado. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has impressed with his poise, his vision, and his uncanny ability to rally his team. Some will argue that he, too, deserved a seat at the Heisman table this year, as his play has been nothing short of spectacular.
This year’s Heisman race feels more open than ever. The drama, the uncertainty, and the brilliance of the finalists make the buildup to Dec. 14 almost unbearable. And as history has shown, anything can happen when these athletes — legends in the making — step into the spotlight.
With 928 electors casting their votes — a mix of media members, living Heisman winners, and one overall fan vote — the decision is now in their hands. It’s the ultimate test of skill, legacy, and destiny. Who will stand tall as the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner? The answer is just days away.
Before we sum things up, there are a few notables to mention.
These 2024 Players Had Great Years And Are Worthy Of Mention:
- Cam Skattebo (Arizona State RB): Averaged 164.7 rushing yards per game over his last three contests with three touchdowns in each game.
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado QB): Threw for 3,926 yards (third-best in college football) and 35 touchdowns with a 78.2 quarterback rating.
- Nick Nash (San José State WR): Led all receivers with 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns
- Mike Green (Marshall DE): Topped college football charts with 17 sacks this season.
- Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt QB): Played a crucial role in Vanderbilt’s upset victory against then number 1 Alabama.
- Bryson Daily (Army QB/RB): AAC Offensive Player of the Year with 1,354 rushing yards, 25 rushing touchdowns, and a record-breaking 9 consecutive 100-yard rushing games, leading Army to an 11-1 record and the AAC Championship.These players demonstrated exceptional performance but were not selected as Heisman Trophy finalists for 2024.
Tickets to the Heisman Legends Brunch — celebrating 90 years of Heisman greatness — are available at Heisman.com. Media credentials for the 2024 Heisman Trophy Weekend can also be requested at Heisman.com/media.
The Heisman Trophy Trust has been honoring college football’s best since 1935 — and with this class of finalists, the tradition continues to shine brighter than ever before.
