In a significant announcement on Monday night, four outstanding college football players were named as finalists for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. This annual award, established in 1935, honors the most exceptional player in college football. The ceremony to declare this year’s recipient will take place on Saturday in New York. These finalists, chosen through a rigorous voting process involving over 900 members from the media and former Heisman winners, include Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and Miami’s Cam Ward.
Dillon Gabriel, who made a strategic transfer from Oklahoma, has proven instrumental in guiding Oregon to an unbeaten record and securing their top ranking in the Big Ten championship during their inaugural year. He stands out with an average of 274 passing yards per game, along with 28 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a remarkable 73.2% completion rate, the second-highest nationally. His career, highlighted by setting a new FBS record with 62 career quarterback starts, places him as a formidable contender.
Meanwhile, Travis Hunter has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s great dual-position athletes. Drawing parallels to Charles Woodson, Hunter excels both as a defender and receiver, leading the Big 12 with 92 receptions, 14 touchdowns, and achieving 1,152 receiving yards. Notably, his defensive prowess earned him the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award with 31 tackles and several pass breakups.
Ashton Jeanty has delivered one of the most impressive performances seen in college football history. His 2,497 rushing yards rank fourth in FBS single-season records, and his average of 192.1 yards per game leads the nation. Jeanty’s ability to exceed 125 rushing yards consistently over 13 games showcases his reliability and skill, making him a strong Heisman candidate.
Cam Ward, the dynamic Miami quarterback, has been recognized as the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year in the ACC. His groundbreaking season includes setting a school record with 36 passing touchdowns and being a key player in the nation’s highest-scoring offense with an impressive 44.2 points per game. Ward’s record of seven consecutive games with over 300 passing yards underscores his outstanding contribution to Miami’s football program.
As the Heisman Trophy ceremony approaches, the nation eagerly anticipates the announcement of this year’s winner. Each finalist, through their remarkable performances and contributions to their respective teams, has distinctly positioned themselves as top contenders. Whether it is Gabriel’s record-breaking achievements, Hunter’s dual-threat capability, Jeanty’s rushing dominance, or Ward’s commanding presence in leading the scoreboard, the selection is anticipated to be challenging and closely watched by all football enthusiasts.
Source: Abcactionnews
