5 days Ago
As the college football regular season draws to an end, the race for the sport's premier individual award is beginning to show a clear leader. The Heisman Trophy presentation is less than a month away, making the final few weeks of the season pivotal for those at the top of the competition. It appears that Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter lead the conversation at this time.
Gabriel entered the season as the favorite to hoist the historic award that has more often than not gone to the nation's top quarterback. © Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The sixth-year senior made history this season by jumping to No. 2 in the NCAA's all-time passing yards list.
Gabriel sits eighth in the country in passing yards (3,066) with 28 total touchdowns to six interceptions for the No. 1 Ducks. Ward has resurrected the Hurricanes after transferring from Washington State in the offseason.
The senior leads the nation in passing (3,494 yards) and total touchdowns (35) with six interceptions for No. 9 Miami. But perhaps the most intriguing development in this season's Heisman race has been the rise of Jeanty.
Leading the nation in rushing as a junior, Jeanty has propelled the No. 13 Broncos into a College Football Playoff bid with 1,893 yards rushing and 27 total touchdowns. A large part of the Heisman process is the latter part of the season, which has previously served as a major factor in determining the winner.
And thanks to some stellar play over the last few weeks, Hunter has created a decisive lead in the race. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Hunter is now the odds on favorite to win the first Heisman Trophy by a two-way player since Charles Woodson in 1997. According to FanDuel Sportsbook , Hunter (-330) leads the way in front of Jeanty (+350), Ward (+1400) and Gabriel (+2500).
The former No. 1 overall recruit ( 247Sports ) has arguably the most unique skillset in college football. Hunter leads the Big 12 in receiving touchdowns (9) with 74 catches (second in the conference) and 911 receiving yards (4th).
The junior also leads the Buffaloes in pass breakups (8) and interceptions (3). Hunter put together a big day in a 49-24 win over Utah on Saturday. He played 132 combined snaps at receiver and cornerback, racking up 55 yards on five catches with a rushing touchdown on offense.
Hunter also logged three tackles and an interception on the other side of the ball. Travis Hunter today vs. Utah: • 5 rec • 55 rec yds • rush TD • INT • 3 solo tkls • 132 snaps played (66 offense, 66 defense) Strike that pose.
pic.twitter.com/oWfacCIXCj The Heisman Trophy ceremony will take place in New York on Dec.
14. Hunter has an opportunity to build on his lead over the next few weeks as No. 17 Colorado (8-2) fights for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game.
The Buffaloes will travel to Kansas (4-6) next week before welcoming Oklahoma State (3-7) to Boulder on Nov. 29. Related: Officials in Colorado-Utah Game Under Fire for Travis Hunter Penalty.
