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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers put on a performance for the ages in a weekend showdown that sent shockwaves through the college football world. His stellar outing has catapulted him to the forefront of the Heisman Trophy conversation following Week 2 of the 2024 season.
Quinn Ewers Vaults to Heisman Favorite
Entering Week 2, Quinn Ewers was considered a dark horse in the Heisman race, sitting at seventh place with odds of +1400, according to DraftKings. But after a spectacular display of precision and leadership, Ewers surged ahead of the competition. His standout performance against Michigan, the reigning national champions, resulted in a dominant 31-12 victory for Texas on the road, pushing Ewers to the top of the Heisman odds board.
Despite none of the six quarterbacks ranked above him suffering a loss last weekend, Ewers’ three-touchdown performance overshadowed them all. As a result, his Heisman odds have improved significantly to +600, placing him ahead of Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who now holds +850 odds after completing 24 consecutive passes in the Rebels’ 52-10 rout of Middle Tennessee.
Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, who had been the front-runner throughout the summer, experienced a dip in his odds. Even though he threw two touchdowns and completed a jaw-dropping 85.7% of his passes, Oregon’s close call against Boise State led to his Heisman chances slipping from +800 to +1100. A last-minute field goal saved Oregon from an upset, but Gabriel’s stock took a hit.
Current Heisman Trophy Odds
The Heisman race has never been more competitive, with several players jostling for the top spot. Below is a snapshot of how the odds have shifted after Week 2:
| Player | Team | July Odds | Week 1 Odds | Current Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinn Ewers | Texas | +1000 | +1400 | +600 |
| Jaxson Dart | Ole Miss | +1400 | +850 | +800 |
| Cam Ward | Miami | +2200 | +950 | +850 |
| Carson Beck | Georgia | +800 | +900 | +1000 |
| Dillon Gabriel | Oregon | +750 | +800 | +1100 |
| Jalen Milroe | Alabama | +1500 | +1100 | +1200 |
| Nico Iamaleava | Tennessee | +1800 | +1200 | +1300 |
| Miller Moss | Southern Cal | N/A | +2200 | +1800 |
| Will Howard | Ohio State | +1500 | +1600 | +2000 |
| Garrett Nussmeier | LSU | +2200 | +3500 | +2800 |
| Drew Allar | Penn State | N/A | N/A | +3000 |
| Ashton Jeanty | Boise State | N/A | N/A | +3000 |
| Avery Johnson | Kansas State | +2500 | +3500 | +4000 |
| Shedeur Sanders | Colorado | N/A | +2200 | +8000 |
Ewers Takes the Biggest Leap
Quinn Ewers experienced the most dramatic surge in the Heisman race, jumping 800 points in just one week after his standout performance. Other significant movers include LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who rose 700 points, and Southern Cal’s Miller Moss, who made his first appearance in the top 10 after shifting from +2200 to +1800.
However, not all players had favorable shifts. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders took a steep fall, plummeting from +2200 to +8000 after Nebraska handed the Buffaloes a tough 28-10 loss. Sanders’ teammate Travis Hunter, known for his versatility on both offense and defense, also saw his Heisman chances decline, dropping from +2500 to +5000.
Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Georgia’s Carson Beck, and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava also experienced slight drops. Gabriel’s odds slipped by 300 points, while Beck and Iamaleava saw 100-point declines.
Week 2 is in the books and Quinn Ewers is now the Heisman favorite 🏆🤔@TylerMacKillop pic.twitter.com/oReFnkgZ5l
— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) September 10, 2024
Ashton Jeanty: A Rising Non-QB Contender
While quarterbacks typically dominate the Heisman conversation, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is proving that it’s not just about the QBs. Jeanty’s 192-yard, three-touchdown performance in Boise State’s narrow loss to Oregon has turned heads. Through just two games, Jeanty has racked up an incredible 459 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, boasting an eye-popping 10.2 yards per carry. His dominance on the field has pushed him into the Heisman conversation with current odds of +3000, making him the highest-ranked non-quarterback contender.
Quinn Ewers’ Stellar Performance: SEC Offensive Player of the Week
With his remarkable display against Michigan, Quinn Ewers earned the honor of being named the Southeastern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week. Ewers was on fire, completing 24 of 36 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. His composure and leadership were key in dismantling Michigan’s defense, propelling Texas to a perfect 2-0 start to the season.
Across two games, Ewers has thrown for 506 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception. Texas fans have plenty to be excited about, as their quarterback continues to solidify his place among the elite. If Ewers continues to put up these kinds of performances, his grip on the Heisman lead will only tighten.
Conclusion
Quinn Ewers’ rapid ascent to the top of the Heisman race showcases just how quickly fortunes can change in college football. His poise, precision, and leadership have placed Texas in a prime position this season, and if he continues this trajectory, the Heisman Trophy could very well find its way to Austin, Texas. With fierce competition ahead, the race is far from over, but all eyes will be on Ewers as the season progresses. Texas fans have every reason to believe their quarterback can lead them to glory on the national stage.