As the 2024-25 college football season approaches, excitement is building as the college football playoffs format expands to 12 teams and several programs shift conferences. While many experts try to predict which teams will make the postseason, they are also analyzing who will be this year’s most outstanding player. With stars like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels moving to the NFL, this season’s crop of contenders is eager to make a mark and vie for the coveted Heisman Trophy.

Historically dominated by quarterbacks, this year presents a unique landscape with no clear frontrunner, opening the door for savvy bets. Let’s dive into three potential Heisman candidates worth considering.

Dillon Gabriel

Dillon Gabriel is making waves with the Oregon Ducks, stepping in as a formidable successor to Bo Nix after his jump to the NFL. Entering his sixth year in college football, Gabriel comes with impressive credentials from his two seasons at Oklahoma, racking up over 6,800 passing yards and 55 touchdowns.

Last season, he showcased elite figures, ranking fifth in yards per attempt at 9.5 and eighth in completion percentage at 68.9%. He’s not just a pocket passer, though; Gabriel can thrive under pressure, boasting a stunning completion rate of 56.4% and an average of 10.3 yards per attempt when defenders are breathing down his neck.

His dual-threat capabilities are a game-changer—last year alone, he rushed for a career-high 373 yards and 12 touchdowns. As Oregon eyes a strong season, Gabriel’s ability to clinch wins will be crucial in the Heisman race.

Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe had a rocky start as the Alabama Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback last season, but he rebounded remarkably in the latter half. After being benched early on, Milroe found his rhythm, completing 67.2% of his passes over his last six games, racking up 1,217 yards and ten touchdowns.

His ability to contribute both through the air and on the ground made him a dual threat, as he also amassed 389 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns during that stretch.

What’s notable is his impressive average of 10.0 yards per attempt—third among quarterbacks with over 200 dropbacks. With Nick Saban’s departure, new head coach Kalen DeBoer is set to bring fresh strategies to the Tide, which could work in Milroe’s favor. DeBoer helped elevate Michael Penix’s career at Washington, who was also a dual-threat weapon like Milroe.

If he continues to harness his talents, expect him to not only lead Alabama but also make a strong push for the Heisman Trophy this season.

Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter is a unique talent in college football, and that’s exactly what makes him a Heisman contender worth watching. Despite not playing the traditional quarterback position and being on a Colorado Buffaloes team projected for a modest 5.5 wins, his two-way prowess gives him an edge.

Last season, Hunter caught 57 passes for 721 yards, averaging 2.17 yards per route run, while also making his mark on defense with 30 tackles, five pass deflections, and three interceptions. His ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively could turn heads in what is shaping up to be a wide-open Heisman race.

Even if Colorado struggles to find success in the win column, Hunter’s impressive stats could challenge the quarterback dominance typically seen at the Heisman ceremony. If he can maintain that level of performance, expect him to garner significant attention come awards season.

Other Top Contenders

Georgia’s Carson Beck is among the top favorites on most platforms. Despite losing two of his favorite weapons, Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey, to the NFL, Beck figures to get a new one in Dominic Lovett who transfers over from Missouri. Dillon Bell will also be one of Beck’s top targets this year. Beck ranked No. 3 in college football with 3,941 passing yards in 2023.

Quinn Ewers, like Beck, lost two big weapons in Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. But Texas has recruited well at the position and also landed some big transfers, including Matthew Golden from Houston. Ewers no doubt has talent, but he could be looking over his shoulder some at Arch Manning who is ready to come in at any hint of struggle. Ewers was second only to Gabriel in Big 12 passing yards in 2023 with 3,479.

Ohio State’s had a good track record with quarterbacks over the years but hasn’t produced a Heisman winner since quarterback Troy Smith in 2006. This year, Will Howard figures to be a top contender who transfers over from Kansas State. Howard is a dual-threat weapon, perfect for Chip Kelly’s offense in 2024. Despite not playing a full 2023 season, Howard threw for 24 touchdowns and ran for nine. 

Other names to keep an eye on include Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, Miami quarterback Cameron Ward, Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.

By Chris Bates