Heisman Trophy Race: Ward and Hunter Surge, Gabriel Slips Despite Dominant Win
As the college football season enters its final crucial weeks, the Heisman Trophy race has become a nail-biting four-player contest. The latest developments see Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s dual-threat sensation Travis Hunter surging ahead in the odds, while Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel slipped despite a solid performance against Michigan. Let’s break down the latest odds and key player movements.
Cam Ward Reclaims Heisman Favorite Spot
Cam Ward of Miami has returned to the top of the Heisman odds at +200, a position he briefly held earlier this season. Ward’s recent explosion of 400 passing yards and five touchdowns against Duke in a 53-31 victory was enough to propel him back to the top. He has been the engine behind Miami’s offense, and his consistency and highlight-reel moments have kept him in the national spotlight.
Travis Hunter: The Rising Dual-Threat Star
Colorado’s Travis Hunter has become a fascinating Heisman contender. Despite not playing last week due to Colorado’s bye, Hunter’s odds have tightened from +330 to +220, making him the second favorite. A standout performance two weeks ago on a national stage saw him dominate on both sides of the ball, showcasing his unique skills as both a wide receiver and cornerback. With Colorado facing Texas Tech this weekend, Hunter will have another opportunity to prove his worth.
Dillon Gabriel Drops Despite Oregon’s Win
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a strong showing against Michigan, throwing for 294 yards in a convincing 21-point victory. However, his odds drifted from +260 to +290, dropping him to third place in the Heisman race. The shift highlights how competitive this year’s Heisman contest is, where even solid performances might not be enough to maintain or improve standing.
Ashton Jeanty Sees His Odds Lengthen
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State’s star running back, continued to put up impressive numbers with 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a win over San Diego State. Yet, his odds have moved from +400 to +500, reflecting the uphill battle running backs often face in Heisman voting. While Jeanty remains a contender, he’ll need extraordinary performances in the coming weeks to close the gap with quarterbacks dominating the conversation.
Jaxson Dart Vaults Into Contention
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has re-entered the Heisman discussion in dramatic fashion. His six-touchdown game against Arkansas moved his odds significantly, from +5000 to +1600. While still a long shot compared to the top three, Dart has put himself back on the radar, especially if he can deliver more standout performances.
Notable Fallers: Carson Beck and Cade Klubnik
Georgia’s Carson Beck and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik both experienced sharp declines in their Heisman prospects. Beck’s three-interception game against Florida caused his odds to fall from +3500 to +7500, while Klubnik dropped from +2000 to +6000 after Clemson’s loss to Louisville. These plummeting odds reflect how a single poor performance can severely impact a player’s Heisman campaign, especially at this late stage of the season.
Heisman Trophy Odds Snapshot (via DraftKings)
Here’s a look at the updated Heisman odds:
| Player | Team | July Odds | Week 1 Odds | Last Week | Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Ward | Miami | +2200 | +950 | +270 | +200 |
| Travis Hunter | Colorado | N/A | N/A | +330 | +220 |
| Dillon Gabriel | Oregon | +750 | +800 | +260 | +290 |
| Ashton Jeanty | Boise State | N/A | N/A | +400 | +500 |
| Jaxson Dart | Ole Miss | +1400 | +850 | +5000 | +1600 |
| Kurtis Rourke | Indiana | N/A | N/A | +7500 | +2200 |
| Shedeur Sanders | Colorado | N/A | +2200 | +4000 | +3500 |
| Jalen Milroe | Alabama | +1500 | +1100 | +5000 | +5000 |
| Garrett Nussmeier | LSU | +2200 | +3500 | +6000 | +6000 |
| Quinn Ewers | Texas | +1000 | +1400 | +5000 | +6000 |
| Cade Klubnik | Clemson | N/A | N/A | +2000 | +6000 |
What’s Next in the Heisman Race?
With November here, the Heisman race will continue to heat up, especially as top contenders face season-defining games. Cam Ward and Travis Hunter have the momentum, but Dillon Gabriel and others are still in striking distance. As always, a standout performance on the national stage can dramatically shift the odds, making this one of the most exciting Heisman races in recent memory.