(Courtesy/ Wikimedia Commons)

The Heisman Memorial trophy, one of the most coveted awards in all of sports, is given annually to the most outstanding college football player in the country. Past and present greats across the NFL have hoisted it, including Barry Sanders, Tim Brown, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson. Entering the 2024 college football season, Miami Hurricanes quarterback, Cam Ward, along with Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back, Travis Hunter, were the favorites to winand have their name among these all time greats. 

As the season approaches the midway point, the four main contenders for the Heisman start with star running back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. After getting little press before the season began, Jeanty has risen from the ranks, and has become a strong contender for this award. 

Next up is Oregon quarterback, Dillion Gabriel who is the favorite to win, following week 9 of College Football. His stock skyrocketed after wins against the second ranked team in the country, Ohio State, and a dominant 38-9 win against 20th ranked Illinois. 

Travis Hunter has maintained his Heisman stock, making plays on both sides of the ball for the Buffaloes as he has racked up eight touchdowns and 757 receiving yards. Couple this with his defensive stats of 20 tackles and 2 interceptions, and Hunter has made a strong case for the best player in the country.

Cam Ward, a Hiesman front runner for the Miami Hurricanes has played a tremendous season defeating strong opponents in Louisville and Florida state, maintaining a perfect 8-0 record.

With four weeks left of the regular season, it looks to be a tight race among these four players, so we will have to wait and see who ultimately hoists the trophy on December 14, and is deemed the best college football player in the country.