Top 8 2024 Heisman Hopefuls

Historical Trends

The 2024 NCAAF is nearly upon us. In this article, we take a look at this year’s Heisman Hopefuls. History often repeats itself, so let’s start with a list of the previous 10 Heisman Winners.

2023 – J. Daniels, QB, LSU
2022 – C. Williams, QB, USC
2021 – B. Young, QB, Alabama
2020 – D. Smith, WR, Alabama
2019 – J. Burrow, QB, LSU
2018 – K. Murray, QB, Oklahoma
2017 – B. Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
2016 – L. Jackson, QB, Louisville
2015 – D. Henry, RB, Alabama
2014 – M. Mariota, QB, Oregon
2013 – J. Winston, QB, Florida State

8 QBs, 1 RB, and 1 WR have received the highest honor in college football over the past decade. Quarterbacks dominate the award in this era.

That’s what it takes. An absolute monster year, typically from a major conference player on a winning team. Let’s dive in and see some of the Heisman Hopefuls who could take home this year’s award.

Last Year’s Winner

Jayden Daniels was last year’s winner and these were his stats:

3,812 Passing Yards
40 Passing TDs
4 INTs
1,134 Rushing Yards
10 Rushing TDs

Heisman Hopefuls – The Favorites

1. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

Dillon Gabriel is a college football quarterback known for his time at the University of Oklahoma. Here’s a brief overview of his background and career:

• Early Life and High School: Dillon Gabriel was born on September 28, 2000, in Hawaii. He played high school football at Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii, where he had a standout career as a quarterback.
• College Career:
  • University of Central Florida (UCF): Gabriel initially played for UCF, where he became known for his strong arm and playmaking ability. He started as a freshman in 2019 and had a successful season, earning a reputation as one of the top young quarterbacks in college football.
  • University of Oklahoma: Gabriel transferred to the University of Oklahoma for the 2022 season. At Oklahoma, he continued to showcase his talents, leading the team as their starting quarterback.
  • University of Oregon: Gabriel transferred yet again following this past season. While a variety of items factored into this decision, the development of former 5-star QB Jackson Arnold was a massive factor, according to sources.

Gabriel is recognized for his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground, and he has been a key player for his teams during his college career.

2. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

Carson Beck is a college football quarterback who plays for the University of Georgia. Here’s a bit about him:

• Early Life and High School: Carson Beck was born on June 28, 2001, in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Mandarin High School, where he was a highly regarded quarterback prospect. During his high school career, Beck was known for his strong arm and passing accuracy, earning multiple accolades and being highly rated as a recruit.
• College Career:
  • University of Georgia: Beck committed to the University of Georgia and joined the Bulldogs as a highly-touted recruit. He redshirted his freshman year in 2020, then spent the next few seasons as a backup and in a reserve role.
  • 2023 season: Beck threw for 3,941 yards, 24 TDs and 6 INTs. He also had 4 rushing TDs.

Beck’s development at Georgia has been closely watched and the program has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks. He is a front-running Heisman Hopeful.

3. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Quinn Ewers is a college football quarterback who has garnered significant attention for his potential and performance. Here’s an overview of his background:

• Early Life and High School: Quinn Ewers was born on March 15, 2002, in Dallas, Texas. He attended Southlake Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas.
• College Career:
  • University of Texas: Ewers committed to the University of Texas and joined the Longhorns as a highly-touted recruit. He enrolled early at Texas in January 2022 and was a highly anticipated player for the program.
  • 2022 Season: Ewers had a notable freshman season, showcasing his skills and potential as the starting quarterback for Texas. His performance was a key factor in the team’s offense, and he drew attention from both fans and scouts.
  • 2023 Season: Ewers sophomore season was good, all things considered. He threw for 3,479 yards and 22 TDs, while also throwing 6 INTs. He also added 5 rushing TDs.

Ewers is recognized for his strong arm and ability to make deep throws, and he is considered a significant prospect with a bright future in college football and potentially beyond. He is a front-running Heisman Hopeful.

4. Will Howard, QB, Ohio State

Will Howard is a college football quarterback known for his role with the Kansas State Wildcats. He will now take over as QB for the Ohio State Buckeyes following his transfer at the end of the 2023 season. Here’s a brief overview of his background and career:

• Early Life and High School: Will Howard was born on March 24, 2001, in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He played high school football at Downingtown West High School.
• College Career:
  • Kansas State University: Howard committed to Kansas State and joined the Wildcats as part of their quarterback rotation.
  • 2021 Season: Howard saw increased playing time during the 2021 season due to injuries to the starting quarterback. He demonstrated his ability to lead the offense and made significant contributions when called upon.
  • 2022 Season: In 2022, Howard continued to play a key role for Kansas State, contributing as a starter and helping the team in various capacities.
  • 2023 Season: 2023 was Howard’s breakout season, as the Wildcat threw for 2,643 yards and 24 TDs. He also had 10 INTs. Howard was able to make plays on the ground, rushing for 351 yards and 9 TDs.
  • 2024 Season: Howard entered the transfer portal following the 2023 season and now arrives in Columbus to QB the Buckeyes for his senior season.

Howard is a big-bodied QB who has good accuracy but he doesn’t have a major arm. His NFL prospects aren’t great but he could have a big season for the Buckeyes. He is a front-running Heisman Hopeful.

Heisman Hopefuls – The Dark Horses

1. Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan

Donovan Edwards is a college football running back known for his role with the University of Michigan Wolverines. Here’s an overview of his background and career:

• Early Life and High School: Donovan Edwards was born on January 4, 2002, in West Bloomfield, Michigan. He played high school football at West Bloomfield High School, where he was a standout running back.
• College Career:
  • 2021 Season: Edwards had a significant freshman season, contributing as both a running back and a receiver out of the backfield. He demonstrated his ability to make explosive plays and was part of a successful Michigan offense.
  • 2022 Season: Edwards continued to be a key player for Michigan, often sharing the backfield with fellow running back Blake Corum. His ability to contribute in various roles made him a valuable asset to the Wolverines’ offensive scheme.
  • 2023 Season: Edwards continued to play second fiddle to Blake Corum but he contributed his best season as a pass catching back, catching 30 passes for 249 yards. Edwards finished with 497 rushing yards and 5 TDs.
  • 2024 Season: Edwards takes over the lead RB spot for Michigan with the departure of Blake Corum. Michigan will roll out a different team this year, along with a new head coach, but they should stay physical and rely on the run.

Donovan Edwards is known for his combination of speed, vision, and hands, which allows him to be effective both as a traditional running back and as a pass-catching threat. He is a longshot Heisman Hopeful.

2. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

Quinshon Judkins is a college football running back known for his standout performances at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Here’s a summary of his background and career:

• Early Life and High School: Quinshon Judkins was born on January 21, 2003, in Pike County, Mississippi. He attended Pike County High School, where he was a highly productive running back.
• College Career:
  • University of Mississippi (Ole Miss): Judkins committed to Ole Miss and joined the Rebels as part of their 2022 recruiting class. He made an immediate impact upon arriving on campus.
  • 2022 Season: In his freshman season, Judkins emerged as a key player for Ole Miss. He demonstrated his ability to be a workhorse back, showing a combination of speed, power, and vision. His performance earned him recognition as one of the top freshmen in college football.
  • 2023 Season: Judkins continued to be a central figure in the Rebels’ offensive scheme, contributing significantly in the running game and occasionally as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He finished the season with 1,158 rushing yards and 15 rushing TDs. His potential and ability to make big plays have made him a player to watch.
  • 2024 Season: Following the 2023 season, Judkins announced he would be transferring from Ole Miss to Ohio State in one of the most widely anticipated transfer moves of the year. Judkins could dominate in this Buckeye’s offense filled with future NFL talent.

Judkins is known for his strong, downhill running style and his ability to break tackles. His early performances have set a solid foundation for a promising collegiate and NFL career. He is a longshot Heisman Hopeful.

3. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Travis Hunter is a highly regarded college football player known for his exceptional skills as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. Here’s an overview of his background and career:

• Early Life and High School: Travis Hunter was born on May 18, 2003, in Collins, Mississippi. He attended Collins High School, where he gained national attention for his dual-threat abilities on both sides of the ball. Hunter was widely recognized as one of the top high school prospects in the country, showcasing elite talent as a wide receiver and cornerback.
• College Career:
  • 2022 Season: Hunter made an immediate impact at Florida State, displaying his talents as both a wide receiver and cornerback. His versatility and athleticism allowed him to make significant contributions in various roles.
  • Transfer to Colorado: In December 2022, Hunter transferred to the University of Colorado, where he continued to play both positions under Coach Deion Sanders, who had previously recruited him at Jackson State.
  • 2023 Season: Hunter missed 3 games during the 2023 season after suffering a lacerated liver. He finished the year with 721 receiving yards and 5 TDs, while also recording 3 INTs as a CB. Hunter missed 3 games after suffering a lacerated liver.
  • 2024 Season: Expectations are higher than usual for a Colorado team featuring Shedeur Sanders and Hunter. Hunter will need to produce bigger numbers than he did during the 2023 campaign to be anywhere near the conversation for this award, but had he not missed those 3 games in 2023, who knows where his final stat lines would have ended up.

Hunter’s exceptional athleticism, ball skills, and versatility have made him a highly anticipated player in college football, with the potential to excel in both roles as a receiver and defender. He is a longshot Heisman Hopeful.

4. Luther Burden, WR, Missouri

Luther Burden III is a college football wide receiver known for his exceptional talent and playmaking ability. Here’s a summary of his background and career:

• Early Life and High School: Luther Burden III was born on April 16, 2003, in East St. Louis, Illinois. He attended East St. Louis High School, where he was a standout wide receiver and one of the top high school football prospects in the country.
• College Career:
  • University of Missouri: Burden committed to the University of Missouri and joined the Tigers as part of their 2022 recruiting class. His commitment was highly anticipated due to his status as a five-star recruit and one of the top wide receiver prospects in recent years.
  • 2022 Season: In his freshman season at Missouri, Burden made an immediate impact as a key receiver for the Tigers. He showcased his playmaking ability with impressive catches and yards, earning recognition as one of the top young talents in college football.
  • 2023 Season: Burden continued to be a central figure in Missouri’s offense, known for his speed, agility, and ability to make big plays. He finished the 2023 season with 86 receptions, 1,212 receiving yards and 9 TDs.
  • 2024 Season: Senior Brady Cook returns as QB for the Tigers, which bodes well for Burden’s outlook. Burden is a top NFL draft prospect and could be in the running for the Heisman if he can boost his numbers from last year.

Luther Burden III is recognized for his dynamic playmaking skills and has been considered a key asset for the Missouri Tigers. He is a longshot Heisman Hopeful.

Heisman Hopefuls

The 2024 NCAAF season should be a good one. While there are several QBs that will be favorites to start the season, I don’t think it’s a particularly strong QB class. If there were ever a year that a non-QB could win the award, it could be this year with a very strong RB class and 2 top-tier WRs. It could very well be a QB that is not on the radar as well, as Jayden Daniels came out of nowhere last year. Regardless of who wins the award, I’m looking forward to the season and hope you all are as well.

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