The stage is set for the announcement of this year’s Heisman Trophy winner, with Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and Miami’s Cam Ward named as the finalists. This prestigious award, established in 1935, honors the nation’s most outstanding college football player. The decision will be made public this Saturday in New York, following a rigorous voting process involving over 900 media members and former Heisman recipients.
Cam Ward, Miami’s standout quarterback, has been making headlines with his exceptional performance this season. Recognized as the Associated Press offensive player of the year and the newcomer of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Ward leads with a record-breaking 36 passing touchdowns. His 4,123 passing yards and 41 total touchdowns place him among the top in the nation. Ward’s leadership has powered Miami to boast the highest-scoring offense nationally, achieving an impressive 44.2 points per game. His consistent performance includes seven consecutive 300-yard games, affirming his status as a formidable player.
In contrast, Dillon Gabriel has been a pillar for Oregon, guiding the team to a top-notch performance in the Big Ten as the number one seed in the College Football Playoff. With a commendable 73.2% completion rate, Gabriel has thrown for 28 touchdowns, supporting Oregon’s undefeated season. His career-high 187 total touchdowns set a new NCAA record, demonstrating his enduring impact on the field over 62 career starts.
Meanwhile, Travis Hunter stands out as an exemplary two-way player for Colorado. Drawing parallels with Charles Woodson, the 1997 Heisman winner, Hunter excels on both offense and defense. As an All-Big 12 first-team receiver, his offensive stats are compelling, with 92 receptions and 14 touchdowns. Defensively, he leads with impressive pass breakups, showcasing a remarkable dual-threat capability.
Ashton Jeanty also put forth a historic season as Boise State’s running back. His 2,497 rushing yards are among the highest ever recorded in a single FBS season. Averaging 192.1 yards per game, Jeanty’s consistent performance has broken barriers, including achieving over 200 rushing yards six times this season. With a national lead in rushing touchdowns, he remains a key contender in the Heisman race.
The competition for the Heisman Trophy is notably fierce this year, with each finalist bringing a unique set of skills and achievements to the table. While the announcement on Saturday will declare only one winner, the accomplishments of Dillon Gabriel, Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, and Cam Ward highlight an exciting and competitive season in college football. Their remarkable performances not only elevate their personal careers but also enhance the collegiate sports landscape.
Source: Nbcmiami
