The Heisman Trophy is given annually to the best player in college football. Every season, it becomes a top storyline among college football media pundits on who they believe should win the award. This season, the race for the award will be as close as ever, with players in many positions having a case for the award. This column will touch on the frontrunners for the award and how they have performed through September.
Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter is one of the most unique college football players we have ever seen. The Colorado junior plays both receiver and cornerback. Though five games, Hunter has 46 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns on a potent Colorado offense. These numbers place him as a top receiver in the game. But the versatility of Hunter is his biggest attribute with his ability to not only score touchdowns, but defend touchdowns as well. On defense, Hunter is rarely ever targeted due to his lockdown coverage and ability to make plays. When he is targeted, Hunter is a top candidate for highlight reel interceptions, such as the one he had Saturday against UCF. The main knock on Hunter is whether Colorado will win enough games for him to receive the trophy. The Buffaloes have gone 4-1 thus far.
Ashton Jeanty
In college football, it is exceedingly rare for players who don’t play against power schools to be nationally recognized. This is not the case for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who has taken the college football world by storm in the last month. His stats are off the charts through the first four games. Jeanty has run for 845 yards and 14 touchdowns, by far the most in each category in college football. Fans are even more impressed with his ability to break tackles with ease to make plays for his team. The Broncos are off to one of their best starts in recent years and are ranked No. 21 in the AP poll. While it is uncommon for non-power conference players to win the award, Jeanty might be the exception.
Cam Ward
Cam Ward, the former Washington State quarterback who has since transferred to Miami, is currently the betting favorite for the award. The dual-threat quarterback can put up next-level stats in both rushing and passing; Ward has thrown for 1,872 yards and 18 touchdowns through the first five games. He has been just as good on the ground despite his low yardage. Ward uses his legs when he needs to, whether that be getting first downs or putting his team in better positions to win the game. Ward is the main reason the Canes are off to their best start in this century. For Ward to remain the favorite he needs to keep up his passing while also improving his rushing. He is currently favorite to win the trophy.
Jalen Milroe
The Crimson Tide quarterback has turned his college career around and is now one of the best players in the country. After getting benched early last year, Jalen Milroe has not looked back and has impressed at all turns, leading Alabama to the No. 1 ranking in the latest AP Poll. In the matchup of the year last week, Milroe outdueled Georgia QB Carson Beck, which led to an Alabama victory. Milroe threw for 374 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 117 yards and two touchdowns against the top defense in college football the last few years. He also has the benefit of playing on the best team in the country, which voters consider when voting.
Nico Iamaleava
Nico Iamaleava came into this season with a massive amount of hype and has exceeded most of it already, as he has thrown for 892 yards and seven touchdowns in his first four games. He has also added 117 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Tennessee is rolling to start the year, and Nico is their best signal caller since Peyton Manning. The Volunteers are currently ranked No. 4 in the nation, their highest ranking in years. The deciding factor for him to win the Heisman will be to see how he performs against top-ranked SEC defenses. Â
The Heisman Trophy ceremony will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9 in New York City.