Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a versatile defensive back and wide receiver, has claimed the 2024 Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding player.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty secured second place, while Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel finished third and fourth, respectively. Hunter’s win marks the first time a non-quarterback has taken the honour since Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith in 2020.
Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty stood out as the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy during the final stretch of the season. Hunter impressed with his exceptional two-way performance, contributing to Colorado’s 9-3 record, while Jeanty, often compared to the legendary Barry Sanders, led Boise State to the College Football Playoff. Both players earned accolades as the best in their respective positions for the 2024 season.
Ultimately, it was Travis Hunter who claimed the Heisman Trophy with a season unmatched in modern college football. He joins Michigan legend Charles Woodson as only the second full-time defender to win the award. However, unlike Woodson, Hunter played full-time on offense as well. While several two-way stars like Woodson, Champ Bailey, and Chris Gamble have made their mark, none have excelled on both sides of the ball quite like Hunter did in 2024 as a defensive back and wide receiver.
Travis Hunter showcased his exceptional versatility in 2024, catching 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, cementing his status as one of college football’s premier receivers. On the defensive side, he recorded 32 tackles, 11 pass deflections, four interceptions, and a forced fumble as a standout cornerback.
Hunter’s remarkable season had the full backing of his teammates and head coach Deion Sanders, who actively campaigned for him to win the prestigious award.
“I think Travis clinched the Heisman,” Sanders said after Colorado’s season finale win, before pausing and then starting up again. “Thank you God, for stopping me. Because I almost said something. I think Travis clinched the Heisman with his performance. I think he made a lot of people aware of how ignorant they was with the Thorpe. His performance today, what’d he have? Three touchdowns, 100 yards and an interception and two passes broken up. Should’ve had another pick. Hit him right in the darn chest. I’m not happy about that, but I’m happy with him. But it’s phenomenal.”
Despite Hunter’s historic season, Ashton Jeanty proved to be a formidable contender. Leading the Broncos to an impressive 11-1 record, Jeanty came remarkably close to matching Barry Sanders’ legendary 1988 rushing total, albeit in more games. He amassed 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns on 344 carries, averaging 192.1 yards per game and 7.3 yards per carry, making him the nation’s leading rusher by over 800 yards. Jeanty finished just 131 yards short of Sanders’ single-season record, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
Cam Ward had a career-best season leading the No. 1 scoring offense in college football, which averaged 44.2 points per game. He completed 67.4% of his passes for 4,123 yards, 36 touchdowns (the most in the country), and seven interceptions. His outstanding performance propelled the Miami Hurricanes to their best season since 2003, finishing with a 10-2 record.
Dillon Gabriel delivered a career-high 73.2% completion rate, the second-best in college football this season, passing for 3,558 yards, 28 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His impressive performance helped the Oregon Ducks remain unbeaten, clinching the Big Ten Championship and securing the top seed in the College Football Playoff.
