As week 12 concludes, the front-runners for Heisman haven’t changed but shifted. Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Miami’s Cam Ward and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel are navigating a mix of performance and perception to keep their campaigns alive. Let’s break down the latest odds and how their performances this past week have shaped their Heisman chances. This week we took a look back at USA Today’s Heisman poll.
Travis Hunter: Controlling the Narrative
Travis Hunter’s two-way dominance, as we discuss each week now, continues to set him apart as the clear favorite. In Colorado’s 49-24 win over Utah, Hunter showcased his versatility with five receptions for 55 yards, a rushing touchdown and an interception. His season-long stats are quite impressive to look at as well.
Offense: 74 receptions, 911 yards, 9 touchdowns; 2 carries, 5 yards, 1 touchdown
Defense: 23 tackles, 8 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
The PR Impact
Hunter’s success is amplified by their head coach Deion Sanders’ vocal support, calling him “the best player in college football.” This endorsement reinforces Hunter’s campaign, while Colorado’s social media strategy consistently showcases his two-way brilliance through highlight reels and fan interactions. Hunter’s visibility is a masterclass in leveraging performances and media to dominate the Heisman conversation.
Ashton Jeanty: The Power of the Underdog Narrative
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is making a strong case for the Heisman with his consistent dominance. In Week 12, Jeanty ran for 159 yards and three touchdowns, maintaining his lead as the nation’s top rusher. His stats for the season look like the following.
Rushing: 1,893 yards, 26 touchdowns
Receiving: 17 receptions, 98 yards, 1 touchdown
The PR Impact
As a non-Power Five player, Jeanty’s campaign hinges on the underdog narrative. Boise State’s media team has leaned into this, drawing conversations to legends like Barry Sanders and highlighting his unmatched production. By amplifying his performances on social platforms and engaging fans with his storytelling, Boise State ensures Jeanty stays in the spotlight despite limited national exposure.
Cam Ward: Fighting for Relevance
Miami’s Cam Ward saw his Heisman odds dip after Week 12, following a lackluster outing that dropped his betting odds from +850 to +1400. For those who aren’t familiar, the higher that number is worse your odds are. Despite this, Ward’s season totals have been quite impressive.
Passing: 3,494 yards, 32 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
Rushing: 182 yards, 3 touchdowns
The PR Impact
Ward’s narrative now depends on resilience. Miami’s media strategy must focus on his leadership and ability to bounce back as the Hurricanes push for an ACC Championship. A strong finish could revive his odds, but it will take more than numbers—Ward needs a defining moment to capture the national conversation.
Dillon Gabriel: From Front-Runner to Underdog
Dillon Gabriel’s Heisman hopes took a hit after a shaky performance in Oregon’s narrow win over Wisconsin. His week 12 stats—218 passing yards, no touchdowns and one interception—don’t reflect his season-long contributions.
Passing: 3,066 yards, 22 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
Rushing: 155 yards, 6 touchdowns
The PR Impact
Oregon’s PR efforts now hinge on Gabriel’s legacy as a record-breaking quarterback. Highlighting his earlier “Heisman performance” against Ohio State and emphasizing the fact he’s leading an undefeated number one team in the country.
As the season nears its end, these athletes’ campaigns will hinge on how well they and their teams manage the storytelling around their journeys.
Stay tuned as we continue to track the stories and performances defining the 2024 Heisman race.
Reece Judish 
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