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Heisman Trophy Watch: Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter Take the Lead in the Latest Odds
For the first time this season, the Heisman Trophy race has been shaken up by two non-quarterbacks leading the way. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter have overtaken the quarterbacks who previously dominated the top spots. This marks a significant shift in the Heisman landscape, where quarterbacks have traditionally been the frontrunners for college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, who held the top spot until this week, now finds himself slipping after Alabama’s upset loss to Vanderbilt. Let’s take a closer look at how the Heisman race is shaping up as we head deeper into the season.
Jeanty’s Breakout Season Propels Him to the Top
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has been nothing short of electric this season. The junior running back leads the nation in rushing yards, amassing 1,031 yards and 16 touchdowns through just six games. His explosive performances have catapulted him to the top of the DraftKings Heisman Trophy odds, where he now sits at +225.
Jeanty wasn’t even listed in the odds during the preseason or Week 1, but his meteoric rise over the last month has made him a serious contender. Last week, Jeanty was at +1000, and after a standout performance against San Diego State, where he rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns, his odds skyrocketed.
Jeanty’s ability to consistently break tackles and rack up big yardage has set him apart from his competitors. If he continues on this trajectory, he could become the first non-quarterback to win the Heisman since Derrick Henry in 2015.
Travis Hunter’s Versatility Turns Heads
Colorado’s Travis Hunter is proving to be one of the most versatile and valuable players in college football. Hunter’s impact on both offense and defense has been nothing short of remarkable, making him a unique Heisman contender. He has now risen to +300 in the odds after sitting at +700 last week.
Hunter leads the Big 12 with 46 receptions, 561 receiving yards, and six touchdowns as a wide receiver, but he’s just as impactful on defense. As a cornerback, he’s recorded two interceptions, 16 tackles, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. His ability to play both ways at such a high level is what’s keeping him firmly in the Heisman conversation.
Hunter’s odds will likely continue to fluctuate depending on how Colorado performs down the stretch, but if he keeps making game-changing plays on both sides of the ball, he could challenge for the award.
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Cam Ward’s Comeback Fuels His Heisman Bid
Miami quarterback Cam Ward has moved up to third in the odds after leading his team to a dramatic 25-point comeback in their 39-38 victory over California last weekend. Ward now sits at +400, moving up from +500 just a week ago. He leads the nation in passing yards (2,219 yards) and is tied for the most touchdown passes with 20.
Ward’s rise has been one of the most impressive stories of the season. Back in July, he was listed at +2200 and was relatively unknown in the Heisman race. However, his ability to lead Miami’s high-powered offense and orchestrate thrilling victories has made him a strong contender. Ward has shown great poise under pressure, and if Miami continues to climb the rankings, he could be the first Miami quarterback to win the Heisman since Gino Torretta in 1992.
Jalen Milroe’s Slide After Alabama’s Upset Loss
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was riding high at +250 just last week, but his odds have dropped significantly to +1100 after Alabama’s surprising 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt. Milroe’s Heisman campaign has been inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance, but also some struggles against tougher defenses.
Milroe’s path to the Heisman is still possible, but he’ll need to bounce back quickly to regain momentum. Alabama’s upcoming games against SEC rivals will be crucial to whether Milroe can re-establish himself as a serious contender.
Other Notable Heisman Contenders
While the focus has shifted to Jeanty and Hunter, several quarterbacks remain firmly in the mix for the Heisman. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel holds steady at +1500 after throwing two touchdowns in Oregon’s win over Michigan State last week. He’s been consistently productive this season and could make a push if Oregon keeps winning.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik also saw his odds improve, moving up to +1600 after a strong showing against Florida State. Klubnik has been steadily improving week after week and could be a dark horse in the race.
Other notable names include Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart (+1800), Texas QB Quinn Ewers (+2000), and Georgia’s Carson Beck (+2500). While these players are longer shots, their teams’ performances could swing the odds in their favor as the season progresses.
Heisman Trophy Odds Snapshot (via DraftKings)
Here’s a look at the current Heisman Trophy odds, with a comparison of where the top contenders started the season and how their odds have changed:
| Player | Team | July Odds | Week 1 | Last Week | Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashton Jeanty | Boise State | N/A | N/A | +1000 | +225 |
| Travis Hunter | Colorado | N/A | N/A | +700 | +300 |
| Cam Ward | Miami | +2200 | +950 | +500 | +400 |
| Jalen Milroe | Alabama | +1500 | +1100 | +250 | +1100 |
| Dillon Gabriel | Oregon | +750 | +800 | +1400 | +1500 |
| Cade Klubnik | Clemson | N/A | N/A | +2800 | +1600 |
| Jaxson Dart | Ole Miss | +1400 | +850 | +1600 | +1800 |
| Quinn Ewers | Texas | +1000 | +1400 | +2000 | +2000 |
Key Takeaways for Heisman Watch 2024
- Ashton Jeanty’s rise from outside the odds to Heisman favorite is one of the most exciting stories of the season. His dominant performances have pushed Boise State into the national spotlight.
- Travis Hunter’s versatility as a two-way player makes him a rare and fascinating contender. His ability to impact games on both offense and defense makes him a unique Heisman candidate.
- Cam Ward’s leadership and eye-popping stats have catapulted him into the conversation, especially after a thrilling comeback win.
- Jalen Milroe’s slip shows how volatile the Heisman race can be, with one loss significantly altering his chances.
As the season progresses, expect the odds to keep shifting, especially as key matchups loom for many of these top contenders. The race is still wide open, but for now, Jeanty and Hunter are firmly in control of the narrative.
