Tag: Heisman trophy

Deion Sanders is done campaigning for Travis Hunter’s Heisman, and he’s right

There’s a clear reason why Travis Hunter is the Heisman Trophy favorite in Week 12.

Selecting the most outstanding college football player each season isn’t always easy, and there isn’t always a clear-cut favorite.

The 2024 Heisman Trophy race has been fascinating to watch all season with preseason favorite Dillon Gabriel, Ashton Jeanty and Cam Ward making some truly standout plays and quintessential Heisman moments on the field.

But, as talented as they are, no one really compares with two-way player Travis Hunter, who entered Week 12 as the consensus Heisman favorite. And Saturday in Colorado’s 49-24 win over Utah, the Buffaloes wide receiver/defensive back reminded everyone why.

Against Utah, Hunter finished with 60 total offensive yards, which is actually a bit low for him. He earned his first rushing touchdown of the season, and on defense, he returned an interception for 21 yards and added three solo tackles and a pass breakup. On the season, he has 10 total touchdowns, 911 receiving yards, three interceptions, eight passes defended and one forced fumble, as Fox Sports noted.

Hunter’s talent and skills are undeniable. Not only does he play almost every snap on both sides of the ball when he’s healthy, but he also often makes standout play after standout play, like this one:

And this one:

With less than a month to go before Heisman voters make their selections, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs have been stumping hard for Hunter’s Heisman campaign. They’re right to support their player, of course, but they’re also right about no college player in the country being comparable to Hunter, a coveted future NFL Draft pick.

Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders praised Hunter after the game, calling him the best player in the country:

“He’s the best player in the country, hands down, no doubt. There’s not a lot of guys that can do what he do on offense and defense, so it’s really tough to compare him to anybody else because I feel like if he was at a different program — they don’t like us so much. They hate on us too. So it’s real hard, and it makes me sad that they don’t give a guy like him his credit because that’s generational. It ain’t gonna happen again for a long time.”

After the Buffs’ win against Utah, Deion was asked what his message to undecided Heisman voters would be. He echoed his quarterback son’s sentiments but implied he’s done stumping and said:

“I ain’t gonna sit up here and give no message to no Heisman voters who is undecided. If they can’t see, they can’t see. It is what it is. Travis is who he is. It’s supposed to go to the best college football player; I think that’s been a wrap since, what? Week 2?

“So, we ain’t petitioning for nobody. We ain’t doing that. We’ve got a wonderful display of cameras here, and I think we’re on national television every week. If they can’t see it, something is a problem. Don’t allow their hatred for me to interfere with our kids’ success. … Give the kids what they deserve.”

Sanders may claim he’s not arguing for Hunter’s Heisman campaign, but he’s still making an argument that the two-way player is the best in college football this season. And he’s right, but at this point, the Sanders family and the rest of Colorado shouldn’t have to be convincing anyone of Hunter’s exceptionalism.

For Oregon, Gabriel makes his dominance look easy. With Miami, Ward is so poised making big plays it’s almost worrisome. And Boise State has the best running back in the country with Jeanty.

But Hunter is an extraordinary two-way player who’s on the field for the majority of games and is having an incredible season. Barring a catastrophic game for him or a couple truly elevated performances from his fellow contenders, the Heisman should be his come December.

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Gus Johnson wants Travis Hunter awarded the Heisman after the WR’s latest incredible catch

Do you agree with Gus Johnson?

Colorado two-way superstar Travis Hunter might have the 2024 Heisman Trophy locked up by now, or at least Fox Sports broadcaster Gus Johnson thinks he should.

After Hunter caught an absolutely astonishing pass in double coverage against visiting Utah on Saturday, Johnson didn’t hide his feelings on how he felt about the catch and the player who pulled it down.

“Travis Hunter! Give him the Heisman now!” Johnson exclaimed to cheers from the home crowd.

Hunter won’t necessarily waltz away with college football’s most prestigious individual award.

However, the wideout/cornerback has the best chance of any non-quarterback to win it since 2020 and former Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith.

UPDATE: Travis Hunter did another amazing Travis Hunter thing with a very impressive rushing touchdown to put the game against Utah away.

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Tim Brown: Notre Dame’s biggest concern is repeating loss to NIU

Can the Irish follow the former Heisman winner’s advice?

As Notre Dame’s most recent Heisman Trophy winner, [autotag]Tim Brown[/autotag] is one the most respected living former Irish players. When he talks about the program that helped develop him into a Pro Football Hall of Famer, people listen.

To that end, Brown made an appearance on “The Big College Football Show” on the Chicago Sports Network. During his interview, he was asked what his biggest concerns about the remainder of the Irish’s season.

Brown’s answer was simple in that the Irish need to avoid the letdown they suffered against Northern Illinois, and he isn’t wrong. That loss has hung over them like a storm cloud ever since it happened. Many believe it will cost them a College Football Playoff spot even if they run table for the rest of the regular season.

Only time will tell how damaging that loss will be in the end, but for now, Brown’s advice to the Irish is simple:

For now, the Irish simply need to play like their fate entirely is in their hands still. It’s the least they can do.

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Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard named to one outlets Heisman top-10 list

Some national love for Leonard

With the NCAA college football season already passing the unofficial midway point, many outlets including On3 have been compiling its Heisman Trophy contenders list.

For the first few weeks of the season, Notre Dame quarterback [autotag]Riley Leonard[/autotag] didn’t perform up to expectations, but then the light switch turned on. Over the course of the last 6 games, all wins for the Irish, the starter has turned the corner and played at an extremely high level.

While it was surprising to see Leonard on On3’s contender list, as he came in tied at No. 9, it is still an encouraging sign that he is moving in the right direction.

On the season, he’s completing 66.2% of his attempts for 1,360 yards with 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He’s been great running the ball as well, as Leonard has carried the ball 85 times for 539 yards with 11 touchdowns.

While the numbers alone aren’t impressive, what stands out are his total stats, as Leonard is currently No. 10 in scoring, No. 8 if you exclude kickers. Many were calling for a change earlier in the season, or at least to see what backup Steve Angeli could do, but clearly the Notre Dame coaching staff knew what they were doing all along.

Oct 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

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Miami QB Cam Ward padded his Heisman resume with a slick touchdown catch

Cam Ward can do it all!

Cam Ward’s Heisman Trophy resume was already looking pretty strong before Saturday’s Miami-Florida State game, as he entered Week 9 leading all FBS quarterbacks with 2,538 total passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns.

The Miami Hurricanes passer is usually poised in the pocket and when it falls apart, and he can improvise sometimes with his legs too.

Well, Saturday in No. 6 Miami’s convincing 36-14 win over Florida State to move to 8-0 on the season, Ward showed he’s a quarterback of many talents when he caught his first college career receiving touchdown.

On second-and-goal on Florida State’s seven-yard line late in the fourth quarter, Miami went for a trick play that worked beautifully. Ward took the snap and tossed the ball to running back Damien Martinez, who quickly flicked it to tight end Elijah Arroyo. As Ward headed toward the end zone, Arroyo threw the ball back to his quarterback, and Ward waltzed across the goal line.

Although the two-point conversion attempt failed, the touchdown gave the Hurricanes a 23-7 lead on their way to victory.

Ward finished the game completing 22-of-35 passes for 208 yards, and surprisingly, his only touchdown was his seven-yard catch. It feels like he’s just showing off at this point, but we love it.

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All 50 non-quarterback Heisman Trophy winners in college football history

Quarterbacks tend to dominate the Heisman Trophy race now, but that wasn’t always the case.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2023.

These days, quarterbacks usually lead the way when it comes to the Heisman Trophy race and winning college football’s most coveted individual award as the sport’s most outstanding player. But that wasn’t always the case.

For a while, running backs dominated the Heisman conversation and winners, but as the sport changed, quarterbacks, especially the super mobile ones, ultimately took over. So non-quarterback finalists are rare, and non-quarterback winners even more so. But when they’re in the Heisman conversation, it’s often so much more interesting.

So while quarterbacks tend to control the Heisman conversation, here’s a look at all 50 Heisman winners who were not quarterbacks (in chronological order).

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

Why Ashton Jeanty might be the most unlikely Heisman contender yet

Ashton Jeanty’s Heisman Trophy candidacy is unprecedented, but so is his elite performance for Boise State through five games.

The Boise State Broncos unloaded 62 points in a win over the Utah State Aggies on Saturday, moving to 4-1 on the year and increasing their chances of playing in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

Running back Ashton Jeanty was once again the catalyst for the Broncos, carrying the ball 13 times for 186 yards and three touchdowns.

When Jeanty stayed at Boise State this offseason, rather than hitting the transfer portal – where he instantly would have become the top offensive player available – it was clear he was in line for a monster season. But to say his performance this year has turned heads would be an understatement, as the dynamic back is a legitimate candidate to win the Heisman Trophy award – which would be unprecedented in the history of college football.

Historically, the Heisman Trophy has been dominated by quarterbacks from power conference schools, making Jeanty’s candidacy as a running back from a Mountain West program all the more remarkable.

In an era where pass-happy offenses tend to garner the most attention, Jeanty carved out a place in the national spotlight with his dynamic playmaking ability, carrying the Broncos on his back and forcing his way into the conversation typically reserved for quarterbacks in one of the power conferences.

In fact, no non-quarterback from a non-Power Five school has ever won the prestigious award. Players like Ty Detmer (BYU) and Lamar Jackson (Louisville) were able to do it from outside the Power Five, but they were quarterbacks in high-flying offenses.

For Jeanty to be in the discussion – and considered the favorite by some – shows how much of an impact he’s had this season. He’s not only defying expectations for players from non-power conferences, but also elevating Boise State into the national conversation once again, showcasing that Heisman-caliber talent can come from any program if the performance is undeniable.

How Jalen Milroe has gone from darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate to likely frontrunner

Jalen Milroe started catching a lot of attention after he finished the 2023 season hot enough to become a darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate, but he’s much more than that now.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe started catching a lot of attention after he finished the 2023 season hot enough to become a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate. Still, he’s much more than that now.

To say he picked up where he left off is an understatement, as Milroe has been dominant both through the air and on the ground this year, showing large improvement as a passer.

Projecting as a true dual-threat now, Milroe’s stat line to this point of the season is strongly indicative of just that. The Alabama signal-caller has completed 72.9% of his passes for 964 yards with 10 touchdowns and one interception through the air.

On the ground, Milroe totals 273 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 52 carries.

His statement game came against then-No. 2-ranked Georgia last week in Tuscaloosa, as Milroe powered the way to what looked like would be a blowout before what would have been a legendary comeback from Georgia ensued, falling just short on the Bulldogs’ end.

Milroe connected on some 81.8% of his passing attempts, throwing for 374 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the 41-34 Alabama victory. He also rushed for 79 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries.

He looks like a truly complete quarterback in a way few others are rivaling so far in the upcoming draft class. Head coach Kalen DeBoer recently spoke to Milroe’s progress and made him this good.

“He’s got the tools. He can spin it. He’s an accurate passer. He works hard. He’s got a lot of those tangibles, intangibles,” DeBoer said of Milroe. “But I think what he’s doing a good job of is just staying disciplined to what we’re asking him to do. Not trying to go above and beyond, when we say, ‘You need to read this or go through this progression,’ he’s done a really good job. I think that’s one area where I’ve seen him improve. I’ve told him that.

“His eyes are in the right spot 99% of the time, and that gets you going down the right path. Now, it’s just a matter of letting the tools that you have, that talent that you have, take over. He’s staying within himself, and he’s trusting the guys around him. The offensive line has done a good job, and I think he’s feeling comfortable in the pocket.”

There’s still room for improvement, though, the way DeBoer sees it.

“Doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There are some times he had to make some throws and stuff real quickly on Saturday, but that trust around you helps bring out the best in you, as well.”

The road to Milroe becoming a strong first-round draft pick will continue as Alabama faces the Vanderbilt Commodores at 3:15 p.m. ET on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Travis Hunter top Big 12 Heisman Trophy candidate ahead of Week 6

The Big 12 Conference NEEDS to have some representation at the Heisman Trophy presentation. Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, Avery Johnson, and Jake Retzlaff make their cases!

The Big 12 is trying to solidify itself as the third most powerful conference in college football, hoping to survive whatever comes next in the NCAA.

Adding strong programs, like the Utah Utes, helps, but star power is a critical element of success in the eyes of many. TV contracts drive a lot of conference prestige, and stars drive those contracts.

To achieve that star power the Big 12 needs Heisman Trophy candidates.

Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes are doing their part, with quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver/defensive back hybrid Travis Hunter both squarely in the mix ahead of Week 6 of the season.

The Colorado duo are not the only candidates to take home college football’s most coveted prize however, with Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson on the list… But what’s their present argument for the big prize? And is there a dark horse candidate in the Big 12? Let’s break it down:

Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The Favorite: Shedeur Sanders

The Colorado Buffaloes do top the list, twice. And to be fair, they have a lot left to prove. But the Heisman has been, by and large, a quarterback award. Since 2000, 20 quarterbacks have won the award. And the quarterback with the most star power in the Big 12 has to be the guy with a celebration that is…flexing his watch?

Sanders is top-10 in passing yards, top-5 in passing touchdowns, has just three interceptions, and – somehow – the stats don’t tell the whole story. Sanders is constantly running around for his life. He has the Hail Mary’s to seal comebacks and he can march down the field. The only question is: is Shedeur Sanders even his own team’s best player? And can he be the Most Outstanding Player in America if he isn’t?

Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

The Best: Travis Hunter

Nationally, Travis Hunter is 4th in receiving yards, and 3rd in receiving touchdowns. Also, he has played more defensive snaps than offensive snaps this year because, as talented a wideout as he is, he is an even better defensive back. Hunter could be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft as a wide receiver or a cornerback. He was a preseason All-American at two positions. He makes dazzling plays on both sides of the ball and, if he really had the opportunity to focus on one thing, could probably play any position.

Sanders needs Hunter, Hunter needs Sanders. The only issue that either player could run into as they hope to get invited to New York for the Heisman ceremony is stealing one anothers’ votes.

Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

The Other Guy: Avery Johnson

Avery Johnson is only ranked in the top 60 of all NCAA players in rushing yards and added a pair of rushing touchdowns last week… as a quarterback. He also has 880 pass yards and nine touchdowns. Obviously, the Wildcats took a spill in Provo, Utah, but most do.

The true dual-threat quarterback seems poised to help the Kansas State Wildcats bounce back from and win the Big 12. To do that, they would likely have to win on the road in Boulder, Colorado, on October 12th, and could avenge their early loss to BYU in a title game trip to Arlington, Texas. With the Buffaloes splitting votes, could Avery Johnson be the Big 12’s best bet?

Chris Jones-Imagn Images

The Dark horse: Jake Retzlaff

Retzlaff, quarterback of the BYU Cougars, is an elite passer. The Corona, California, native has over 1,200 yards passing and has thrown 11 touchdowns. After beating the Baylor Bears last week, BYU sits at 5-0 and could make noise nationally very soon. The Cougars’ early season win over the SMU Mustangs looks better every week, they beat KSU like very few teams have in the Chris Kleiman era, and their statement game comes in a game they call “The Holy War.” BYU heads to No. 18 Utah in early November in a game that could propel him into the conversation.

The Cougars wrap with the Kansas Jayhawks, the Arizona State Sun Devils, and the Houston Cougars. Four programs Retzlaff has the potential to light up on his way to a Big 12 title game in Arlington.

Travis Hunter struck a Heisman pose after stunning layout interception against UCF’s KJ Jefferson

Travis Hunter is making his Heisman case.

Colorado wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter has been building an impressive Heisman Trophy campaign throughout the 2024 college football season, and he entered the Buffaloes’ Week 5 game against UCF as one of the Heisman favorites with the seventh-best odds at +1600, per BetMGM.

The two-way player is undeniably one of the best in college football, taking an absurd amount of snaps each week. Saturday’s road game against the Knights was no exception with Hunter playing a lot of minutes.

Midway through the third quarter as Colorado led, 34-14, UCF had a new set of downs on its own 36-yard line when Hunter came out of nowhere to intercept KJ Jefferson’s pass. Hunter was several yards away from the intended receiver but dove and caught the ball for an impressive turnover.

https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1840158686016102856

Hunter ran down the field to celebrate the pick and pulled out the Heisman pose at the end.

https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1840158437151219918

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