Breaking Down the Heisman Finalists

It’s that time of year again the moment when we reflect on the best performances college football has to offer. This season’s Heisman Trophy finalists have brought unparalleled excitement, showcasing their talents in ways that have captivated fans across the country. Let’s dive into each finalist’s case for the award, assess their strengths, and conclude with who deserves to take home the most prestigious individual honor in college football.

Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel

3,558 passing yards | 28 passing TDs | 73.2% completion rate | 7 rushing TDs

There hasn’t been a better show in college football than the Oregon Ducks this year. They’ve dominated like no team since Marcus Mariota and De’Anthony Thomas graced the field. Gabriel has led the Ducks to an undefeated record, taking down powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.??

Key Accomplishments:??

• Led the Big Ten in passing yards (3,558) and touchdowns (28).??
• Scored 114 points combined against three top-8 teams:??
• 37 points vs. No. 3 Boise State??
• 45 points vs. No. 6 Penn State??
• ?32 points vs. Ohio State??
• ?Went 3-0 against playoff teams.??
• Delivered crucial plays in clutch moments, including a touchdown run to seal the win against Ohio State and a 4th-down conversion to Terrance Ferguson vs. Wisconsin.??

Gabriel’s style may not be flashy, but it’s brutally efficient. Head coach Dan Lanning has built a team content with scoring around 35 points per game, and Gabriel has executed the game plan perfectly.??

While some argue his stats don’t "wow" like other finalists, his ability to deliver in the biggest moments against the toughest opponents is unparalleled. Heisman voters should weigh those intangibles heavily.??

Colorado WR/DB Travis Hunter

1,152 receiving yards | 14 total TDs | 4 interceptions | 90.9 coverage grade

Travis Hunter has captivated college football fans like few players before him, delivering jaw-dropping performances on both sides of the ball. His versatility and sheer talent make him one of the most electrifying players in the sport.

• Offensive Excellence: Hunter leads the Big 12 in receptions (92) and receiving touchdowns (14), while amassing 1,152 receiving yards. His ability to run precise routes, make contested catches, and create big plays in crucial moments has been invaluable for Colorado’s offense.
• Defensive Dominance: As a cornerback, he’s just as impactful. Hunter accounted for four interceptions, one forced fumble, 32 tackles, and a Big 12-best 11 passes defended, showcasing his ability to shut down opposing receivers.
• Unprecedented Versatility: Few players have ever performed at such a high level on both sides of the ball. Hunter’s unique skill set and willingness to take on such a demanding role make him a generational talent.

There’s no doubt Hunter’s performances have put him on the map as one of college football’s brightest stars. He is poised to be a top-five pick in the NFL Draft, and his contributions this season will be remembered as historic.

The Concerns

Despite his undeniable talent, there are some issues that could hurt Hunter’s Heisman candidacy:

1. Colorado’s Flash Over Substance: While Hunter’s stats are eye-popping, many view Colorado as a team built more on spectacle than substance. At times, it felt like the program was more focused on creating viral moments than winning crucial games. One example often cited is when Hunter scored a touchdown late in a 45-0 blowout of Oklahoma State. While not explicitly stat-padding, it came off as unnecessary and raised questions about priorities.
2. Motivation vs. Performance: Hunter’s drive to win the Heisman is evident, but some critics believe he wanted the trophy more to prove a point than to let his game speak for itself. This perceived focus on individual accolades could alienate voters who prioritize team success and humility.
3. Team Success: As exceptional as Hunter was, Colorado’s two losses and failure to make the College Football Playoffs are significant setbacks. History shows that Heisman winners typically lead their teams to major postseason contention.

Strength of Schedule

One of the most critical aspects to consider is the strength of competition. Colorado’s schedule wasn’t the toughest, and many of Hunter’s standout performances came against subpar opponents.

When comparing Hunter to other finalists:

• Dillon Gabriel faced multiple playoff-bound teams and consistently delivered in high-pressure games.
• Ashton Jeanty excelled against both an elite defense (Oregon) and weaker competition.
• Even Cam Ward, despite Miami’s struggles, played against some of the ACC’s best defenses while leading the most explosive offense in college football.

Hunter’s versatility is unmatched, but the question remains: how much weight should his stats carry when many of them came against weaker opposition??

Miami QB Cam Ward

4,123 passing yards | 36 passing TDs | 92.6 PFF grade

Cam Ward’s record doesn’t hold a candle to Dillon Gabriel’s undefeated run, but Ward’s individual numbers arguably make him the best quarterback in the nation this season.??

Key Stats and Honors:??

• Nation-leading 36 passing touchdowns.??
• Second in FBS with 4,123 passing yards.??
• Tied for third with 28 big-time throws.??
• ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year.??
• Finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Award, Manning Award, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.??
• Set Miami’s single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns, surpassing Bernie Kosar and Steve Walsh, respectively.??

Ward’s offense was explosive, leading the FBS in scoring (44.2 PPG) and total yards (538.2 YPG). Miami’s first- and third-down efficiency, combined with their red-zone dominance (92% scoring rate), were unmatched.??

Despite these accolades, Ward’s team struggled to win consistently, which significantly hurts his Heisman chances. Still, his accomplishments deserve immense respect and recognition.??

Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty

2,497 rushing yards | 29 rushing TDs | Record-breaking season

When discussing this year’s Heisman race, one name consistently rises above the rest: Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State running back has redefined excellence with a season that’s both historic and unforgettable. His ability to dominate games and set records makes him the best offensive player in college football this year.

Historic Achievements

Jeanty has shattered records that once seemed untouchable:

• Rushing Grade: 97.1 (PFF), surpassing Blake Corum’s 96.2 in 2022.
• Yards After Contact: 1,695, obliterating Jonathan Taylor’s 1,355 from 2017.
• Forced Missed Tackles: 123, leaving Bijan Robinson’s 104 in 2022 far behind.

These numbers reflect not just dominance but unparalleled consistency and physicality.

Big-Game Dominance

Critics often point to the Mountain West’s relatively weaker competition, but Jeanty has silenced those doubts with performances against elite opponents. His 190-yard, 3-touchdown effort against Oregon’s No. 7-ranked defense is perhaps the strongest rebuttal to any criticism. In that game, Boise State narrowly lost to the Ducks due to Dillon Gabriel’s clutch heroics, but Jeanty’s performance was nothing short of legendary.

The Playoff Factor

Jeanty’s impact extends beyond individual stats. Boise State earned its first College Football Playoff berth since 2014, securing the No. 3 seed and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl. This achievement underscores Jeanty’s value as the driving force behind his team’s success. Without him, Boise State’s season would look drastically different.

Chasing Barry Sanders’ Legacy

Now just 131 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards (set in 1988), Jeanty has the opportunity to etch his name into college football history in the most prestigious way possible. This record has stood for 36 years and is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the sport. The Heisman Trophy is defined as an award given to “the most outstanding college football player in the United States, whose performance epitomizes great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work.” By every measure, Ashton Jeanty meets and exceeds that standard.

The Verdict

After considering the finalists’ accomplishments, the Heisman Trophy belongs to Ashton Jeanty.

• Historic Impact: Breaking Barry Sanders’ record would cement Jeanty’s season as one of the greatest in college football history.
• Big-Game Performance: His dominance against Oregon proves he can excel against elite teams, nullifying concerns about weaker competition.
• Team Success: Boise State is in the College Football Playoffs because of Jeanty’s efforts, making him invaluable.

The arguments against other finalists Hunter’s lack of elite competition, Ward’s team struggles, and Gabriel’s non-historic stats make Jeanty the clear choice. The Heisman Trophy is awarded to “the most outstanding college football player,” and by every metric, Jeanty fits the bill.

This year, the choice is clear: Ashton Jeanty is "HIM."