Heisman Trophy candidate predictions

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

As the college football season comes down to its final weeks, the likely finalists for the Heisman Trophy have emerged. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been at the forefront of the Heisman race for most of the season as Jeanty has had a record-breaking season for the Broncos. If he can continue his excellent play, he will be the first running back to win the award since Alabama's running back Derrick Henry in 2015. Jeanty isn’t without competition, though, as Colorado Receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter has electrified college football fans all season long. Hunter’s ability to perform at such a high level on both sides of the ball is an athletic feat few have ever accomplished in college football. Other candidates include Hunter’s teammate, quarterback Sheduer Sanders, Miami quarterback Cam Ward, and Oregon quarterback Dillion Gabriel. We’ll discuss each player’s case for winning the sport's most illustrious trophy.

Boise State Running back Ashton Jeanty:

In recent college football history, Jeanty has had one of the most impressive seasons for a running back. Jeanty has 190 carries for 1,525 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. This would be a great full season for a running back alone, but Jeanty has put up these gaudy numbers in only eight games. Another facet that makes Jeanty’s Heisman consideration so historic is that he doesn’t play in a “Power 5 conference”— the five most prominent conferences in college football. Jeanty plays in the Mountain West Conference, which is one of the “group of five” conferences instead. The last time a player won a Heisman and was not in one of the Power 5 conferences was in 1963 when Navy quarterback Roger Staubach won the award.  

Colorado Wide Receiver/Cornerback Travis Hunter:

Hunter has been one of the faces of college football for the last two seasons. Hunter has 60 receptions for 757 receiving yards and eight touchdowns as a wide receiver. Also, he has 20 tackles, one forced fumble, and two interceptions as a cornerback. Hunter averages around 130 snaps per game, which is an unbelievable workload for one player. His incredible durability and dynamic athleticism make him one of the most unique Heisman candidates in college football history.  

Miami Quarterback Cameron “Cam” Ward: 

Ward had high expectations when he transferred to Miami in the offseason from Washington State. Many pundits and fans felt that Ward could turn around a Miami team that has struggled in recent years— and it’s safe to say Ward has delivered on these expectations and then some. Ward has thrown for 3,146 yards, 29 passing touchdowns, and only six interceptions during the season. These tremendous individual statistics, combined with the Hurricane's  9-0 record and number four ranking in the Associated Press poll, have vaulted Ward into the Heisman race.

Oregon Quarterback Dillon Gabriel: 

Gabriel has been terrific for the Oregon Ducks; the Hawaii native has thrown for 2,665 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and just five interceptions. The Ducks have also had tremendous success with Gabriel as quarterback this season, as they are currently undefeated at 9-0 and have wins over Boise State, Michigan, and Ohio State. Many college football experts questioned whether the Ducks could compete in the competitive Big Ten conference, but Gabriel and the Ducks have silenced any doubters for nine weeks of the season.

Colorado Quarterback Shedeur Sanders: 

Sanders and Travis Hunter have formed one of the most prolific duos in college football. While Hunter has gotten the majority of praise this season, Sanders has been great in his own right; Shedeur has thrown for 2,591 yards, 21 passing touchdowns, and six interceptions. Sanders must be perfect if he wants to wrestle the Heisman trophy away from his teammate Travis Hunter. 

This year’s Heisman race looks as competitive as ever, with a surplus of talented players who all have a great case of winning the trophy. Most of the past couple of Heisman have been quarterbacks, but this season is unique in that we have a running back, a two-way star, and multiple quarterbacks who could win the award. It will be exciting to see, as the season comes to a close, which player will join the prestigious group of players who have hoisted the Heisman Trophy ceremony, which will take place at 8 pm Eastern time on Saturday, Dec. 14, in New York City.