The 2024 college football conference championship weekend has officially wrapped up, and what an exciting conclusion it was. With all games in the books, the Heisman Trophy race is now set in stone, as every performance has been factored in. Some of the biggest names in college football shone under the spotlight, showcasing their skills just in time for the final votes to be cast for the sport’s most prestigious individual award.
Running Backs Steal the Show It was an electrifying weekend for running backs, with Ashton Jeanty and Cameron Skattebo taking center stage. Both players had their final chance to make a strong impression on Heisman voters, and they certainly did not disappoint.
As the Heisman Trophy race heats up, Jeanty’s performance on the field over the season has caught the eyes of many. With 344 carries for 2,497 yards and an eye-popping 29 touchdowns over the course of 13 games, he is undeniably one of the season’s most dominant forces. Adding another 116 receiving yards and a touchdown on 20 catches only further demonstrated his versatility. Jeanty’s explosive playmaking ability has turned heads, and it’s clear he’s a name to keep an eye on as Heisman votes are finalized.
Travis Hunter: The Favorite Stays Strong Although Colorado’s Travis Hunter wasn’t in action this past weekend, he still stands tall as the favorite for the 2024 Heisman Trophy. Hunter’s stats are jaw-dropping and have made him the talk of the season. Through 12 games, he racked up 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also contributing on the ground with one rushing touchdown. Defensively, he was just as impressive, tallying 32 tackles, including one for a loss, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and forcing one fumble. Hunter’s all-around game makes him a clear frontrunner, and despite the quiet weekend, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where he doesn’t get invited to New York for the Heisman ceremony.
Dillon Gabriel: The Quarterback Making His Push Dillon Gabriel, quarterback for Oregon, made a powerful case for himself during the Big Ten Championship game, throwing for 283 yards and four touchdowns in a thrilling 45-37 win over Penn State. His performance helped secure Oregon’s title and solidified his place as a Heisman contender. Gabriel's season has been impressive across the board—completing 275 of 374 passes for 3,275 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He’s also proven to be a dual-threat, adding 175 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. As a sixth-year senior, Gabriel is expected to earn an invitation to the Heisman ceremony in New York. His leadership and big-play ability are certainly making a push for the coveted award.
Cameron Skattebo: The Late-Blooming Star Arizona State’s Cameron Skattebo also made his mark during the championship weekend, delivering a standout performance in his team’s 45-19 victory over Iowa State to capture the Big 12 Championship in their inaugural season in the conference. Skattebo ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries, adding another 38 yards and a touchdown through the air on two receptions. His performance turned a lot of heads and left fans buzzing about what could have been for the senior. However, while his play on the field was electric, it may be too little, too late for Skattebo to secure a spot as a legitimate Heisman contender. Finishing the season with 1,398 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, along with 468 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Skattebo’s numbers are certainly impressive, but they may not be enough to catapult him into the upper ranks of Heisman voting. His performance against Iowa State may have created some excitement, but it’s unclear if it will be enough to push him over the top.
A Look Ahead: Who’s In the Running? As the Heisman voting enters its final stages, the race is shaping up to be an exciting one. With standout performances from players like Hunter, Jeanty, Gabriel, and Skattebo, the competition is fierce. However, the question remains: will anyone be able to dethrone Travis Hunter, the heavy favorite?
Hunter’s versatility and playmaking ability have made him a fan favorite, and his ability to impact both the offense and defense in such a significant way is rare in college football. His numbers alone speak volumes, and it's difficult to imagine anyone topping them.
On the other hand, Jeanty’s dominance on the ground and his ability to find the end zone at a remarkable rate make him a serious contender. With nearly 2,500 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, his resume is hard to ignore, and if Heisman voters place a premium on pure offensive production, Jeanty could be a strong challenger to Hunter’s throne.
Then there’s Dillon Gabriel, whose complete performance at quarterback could be enough to sway voters in his favor. With a great passing season and strong contributions in the run game, Gabriel brings a balance of skills that makes him a worthy finalist. If voters are looking for a player who can excel in multiple facets of the game, Gabriel might be their pick.
And don’t forget about Skattebo, who has certainly created some buzz for himself. While his chance at a Heisman may be slim, it’s impossible not to recognize the effort and talent he brought to the field, especially in Arizona State’s first year in the Big 12.
Heisman Trophy: Who Will Take Home the Hardware? As the voting period comes to a close, all eyes will be on New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. The competition is fierce, and the 2024 race has been one of the most exciting in recent memory. Will Travis Hunter’s all-around brilliance earn him the title? Or will Ashton Jeanty’s massive rushing numbers and touchdown production earn him the coveted award? Dillon Gabriel could surprise with his impressive passing and rushing numbers, while Cameron Skattebo’s big performance may inspire some late votes.
One thing is certain: this year’s Heisman race is full of talented players, each with a compelling case to take home the trophy. The next few weeks will determine who ultimately earns the honor, and it’s anyone’s guess who will emerge victorious. As always, the Heisman Trophy is a reminder of the incredible talent that college football produces, and the 2024 season has been no exception.
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