As we head into the final week of the regular season, the Heisman Trophy race is eating up, with several players making a strong case for the award. While standout performances on the field are the main focus, their public image could be just as important in keeping them in the spotlight. This week, I looked back at FOX Sports to compare with what we have seen from them. Let’s dive into the top Heisman contenders heading into week 14 of the 2024 college football season and explore their performances, both on and off the field.
Travis Hunter: Third Week in the Top Spot
To some, this comes as no surprise as this is the third week that a source has listed Travis Hunter as their top candidate for the award. As confident as we all were for Jeanty to win this award, it just shows you can’t write people off for it. Last week, despite Colorado’s 37-21 loss to Kansas in week 13, Hunter had an exceptional game. He caught 8 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns on offense, while also recording 7 tackles on defense. Over 11 games, Hunter has amassed 82 catches for 1,036 and 11 touchdowns, along with three interceptions on defense.
Hunter’s Heisman campaign benefits from his unique dual-threat role, something not seen in recent Heisman races. His active social media presence and engaging personality have also helped him build a brand, appealing to a younger audience. With Colorado set to face Oklahoma State on November 29, Hunter’s performance in the coming week could solidify his spot at the top of the Heisman race.
Ashton Jeanty: Consistency and Determination
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is another player who seems to be shifting between that 1A and 1B spot for the Heisman Trophy. In Week 13, Jeanty rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown in a 17-13 victory over Wyoming. With 2,062 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns this season, Jeanty has been a consistent force for the Broncos and has accounted for almost 30% of their total yards a game. He also leads the second-leading rusher, Kaleb Johnson of Iowa, by 570 yards.
Jeanty’s PR narrative focuses on his work ethic and reliability. I also recently learned he is a very popular member of the TikTok community, which elevates his fan engagement and notice around the country. As the centerpiece of Boise State’s offense, he’s shown time and time again that he can carry the load, averaging 25 carries a game. His next test will come against Oregon State on November 29, where he will have to have a strong outing to put him in the same tier as Travis Hunter.
Cam Ward: Is He Still a Contender?
At this point in the season, the conversation just seems to be between the two names above, but Cam Ward can still do a lot to put his name in the conversation. In Week 13, Ward threw for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 42-14 win over Wake Forest. Ward also broke two long-standing records for passing yards and completions, adding to his Heisman case. With 3,774 yards and 34 touchdowns this season, Ward will face Syracuse with hopes of elevating those stats and hopefully placing himself in a firm spot to be a top-three contender.
End Thoughts
Hunter, Jeanty and Ward are all making serious pushes for the trophy. Each of these players brings something unique to the table. If the decision were to be made today, I think Hunter has the strongest case; however, we still have one week to go.
Who do you think will take home the Heisman this year? Share your thoughts on social media or in the comments below!
Reece Judish 
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