I’d like to preface this article by saying that these rankings are not my own personal rankings on who I believe should win the Heisman. Instead, these rankings are based on how I think the voters will view these players as the season goes on.
Ashton Jeanty | RB | Boise State (-)
Through nine weeks I believe this race has narrowed down to just two players, Ashton Jeanty and Cam Ward. However, I would give Jeanty the nod at this point in the season. This is mostly because of the spectacle that has become Ashton Jeanty. Between the record-breaking pace he is on and the ominous Michael Meyers stance in the backfield, Jeanty has become must watch television for Boise State. A stat line of 1,248 yards, 17 touchdowns on 9.9 yards per carry makes this decision pretty easy. In order for Jeanty to really start to pull away though, he needs to have a good performance this Friday against UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas). The UNLV defense ranks 19th in the country in run defense and the team ranks just outside the top 25 nationally.
Cam Ward | QB | Miami (-)
Ward continues to have clutch performance after clutch performance for the Miami Hurricanes. People are going to fight it, but Ward is still pushing Jeanty for this award. Ward’s 2,538 yards and 27 total touchdowns puts him on a great pace to have a reserved seat in New York at the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Others on this list will not be able to say the same. Ward’s clutch factor cannot be ignored when looking at his performance this season. In his most recent game against Louisville, Ward continued to make play after play to bury the Cardinals despite their own offensive success. His four-touchdown game against the Cardinals is his third of the season and I would not be surprised if we saw a fourth, fifth or even a sixth from Ward at this rate.
Dillon Gabriel | QB | Oregon (new)
A new entry on this list, Gabriel has quietly been building a Heisman resume for the Oregon ducks. Gabriel has been a model of consistency for the Ducks, having thrown for two touchdowns or more in every game so far this season. Gabriel’s 2,080 yards and 15 touchdowns play a factor in his contention for the trophy, but what is also huge for Gabriel is leading the number one team in the nation. Gabriel had to wait to get the success he has had this season. He is currently on his third team as a college football player, going from UCF to Oklahoma and now to Eugene, Oregon. Gabriel’s continued success in this category will be determined by if he can keep up this success and can he continue to make the big plays when they show themselves to him.
Travis Hunter | DB/WR | Colorado (-)
Hunter has hit a shaky point of the season for his performance. Defensively, he is still the best corner in college football. Offensively, he has taken a step back due to fatigue and injury. In his last two games, Hunter has put up five catches for 43 yards. A stat that in the marathon that, in the Heisman trophy race, just will not cut it. However, he is not out of time just yet. With five games to go, you never know when other competitors might slip and leave the door open. It all relies on Hunter being an elite receiver as well as the shutdown corner that he is.
Dylan Sampson | RB | Tennessee (new)
Sampson is a new entry to the list. While eyes were on his quarterback earlier in the season, Sampson has quietly been the best running back in the SEC (Southeastern Conference). Sampson currently ties Ashton Jeanty for the nation’s most rushing touchdowns with 17 to go, along with his 838 yards so far this season. Sampson’s production, while impressive, is not up to the standards set by Jeanty. However, he has got competition on his side. “It just means more” is the typical phrase to state just how good the SEC is compared to other conferences. A phrase that greatly helps Sampson’s case for the Heisman. Sampson has gone over 100 yards in six of seven games so far this season. He will need to keep that up and maybe ramp it up as the season progresses.
