Dillon Gabriel, Cam Ward join Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty as Heisman finalists

Field Level Media|published: Mon 9th December, 20:57 2024

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) throws a pass Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, during the Big Ten Championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Ducks defeated the Nittany Lions, 45-37.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado defensive back/wide receiver Travis Hunter have long been considered favorites for the 2024 edition of the Heisman Trophy. But some mystery had surrounded who would join them at the award ceremony in New York on Saturday.

On Monday evening, Heisman organizers put that speculation to rest by revealing that yes, Jeanty and Hunter are among the top vote-getters for college football's most prestigious award, but also that quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel of Oregon and Cam Ward of Miami (Fla.) will be making the trip to New York, as well.

Hunter, the Buffaloes' two-way star, has been the betting favorite for several weeks and will enter Saturday in the pole position after an All-Big 12 season at both cornerback and wide receiver. He was named Big 12 defensive player of the year after nabbing four interceptions and 11 pass breakups for the 9-3 Buffaloes.

He might have been even more impressive on offense, leading the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns while finishing second with 1,152 yards.

Not to be outdone, Jeanty has totaled an eye-popping 2,497 rushing yards this season, currently the fourth-highest single-season total ever. In helping to lead the Broncos to a College Football Playoff top-four berth, he remains within 131 yards of the NCAA record of 2,628 yards held by Barry Sanders, who won the Heisman in 1988.

Gabriel will join them in New York after piloting the Oregon Ducks to an undefeated record (including a victory over Jeanty's Broncos) and the No. 1 ranking in the country.

Previously a standout at UCF and Oklahoma, Gabriel joined the Ducks this offseason and has proceeded to throw for 3,558 yards and 28 touchdowns while becoming the NCAA's all-time leader in career touchdowns accounted for (187 -- 153 passing, 33 rushing and one receiving).

Miami's Ward has similar credentials, leading the nation in passing touchdowns with 36 while currently ranking second in passing yards (4,123) and touchdowns accounted for (41). Before Miami (10-2), Ward previously starred at Washington State and Incarnate Word.

--Field Level Media