B/R's 2024 Heisman Trophy Rankings: Down to 3 Contenders in Week 13

Including the weekend of conference championships, three weeks remain in the 2024 college football regular season.

And in a lovely bit of symmetry, the Heisman Trophy race is down to three candidates with a legitimate chance to win: Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, Colorado's Travis Hunter and Miami's Cam Ward.

Hunter has steadily emerged as the clear favorite, partially thanks to Colorado becoming a real threat in the Big 12.

Jeanty and Ward, though, are still within striking distance.

The tiers are a personal view but consider a player's production, team success and more historical Heisman trends.

Bryson Daily, QB, Army: Here comes the now-or-never moment for both Army and Daily. If the Black Knights beat Notre Dame this weekend, how will the CFP selection committee respond? Will Army be ranked high enough to actually contend for a Playoff bid? Either way, if Army wins, Daily will receive more than a smattering of Heisman votes.

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson: Klubnik was exactly one possession from falling off the radar. However, he found a lane and ripped off a clutch 50-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to help Clemson edge Pitt 24-20. Klubnik totaled 321 yards and three scores in the victory. Clemson needs a Miami loss to reach the ACC Championship Game, but Klubnik has both a stat-padding (The Citadel) and a resume-boosting opportunity (South Carolina) to wrap up the year.

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado: After a horrible start to Saturday's clash at Utah, Sanders recovered from the opening-drive interception to have a quality game. He threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns, propelling CU to an 8-2 record and closer to the Big 12 title game.

Will Howard, QB, Ohio State: Howard has been a steady hand for Ohio State, which is set to host undefeated Indiana in a critical Big Ten showdown this weekend. The veteran QB passed for 247 yards and three scores in the Buckeyes' tune-up win over Northwestern.

Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee: If the Vols had beaten Georgia, there's a chance Sampson could have jumped into the second tier. Unfortunately for him, the Vols fell short in the rivalry game. Sampson put up 117 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, at least.

Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas: After managing 176 yards and two touchdowns in a hard-fought win at Arkansas, Ewers' resume continues to lack a significant appeal. The only reason he remains in the conversation is Texas ends the season at Texas A&M and could play in the SEC Championship Game. But even if Ewers has a "Heisman moment," it's probably too late to actually be a winning threat.

Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama: Solidly in the CFP race, Alabama made quick work of lower-division Mercer in Week 12. Milroe threw for 186 yards, rushed for 43 yards and totaled three touchdowns. I still believe he's a finalist at best, but Milroe would have an opportunity to sway voters if Bama weasels into the SEC Championship Game and wins.

Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana: Let's pretend Indiana wins at Ohio State. If that happens, don't be surprised if Rourke ultimately lands an invite to the Heisman ceremony. If not, he'll probably be a down-ballot recipient of votes—as long as IU beats Purdue to finish 11-1.

Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss: As mentioned last week, whether Ole Miss finds a way into the SEC Championship Game will determine Dart's upside. That possibility is unlikely, though. This weekend, the Rebels are heading to Florida—which just upset LSU.

Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon: Historical trends can only matter for so long. Oregon is the first 11-0 team in the country, and a productive QB on that roster will always be mentioned in the Heisman race. Gabriel has totaled 3,221 yards and 28 touchdowns, so he fits the mold. Still, his resume lacks the overwhelming punch that Hunter, Jeanty and Ward have provided.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State: Last season, Jeanty received All-American recognition and totaled 1,916 yards with 19 touchdowns. Through 10 games this year, he's already at 1,991 scrimmage yards and 27 scores. Boise State can clinch a spot in the Mountain West Championship Game with a victory at Wyoming on Saturday.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado: If I had a vote, Hunter would be locked into my winning position. By definition, the Heisman awards individual excellence. There is simply no other player like Hunter, who rarely misses a single snap on offense and defense. He just scored a touchdown and snagged an interception in the victory over Utah.

Cam Ward, QB, Miami: Hunter isn't a lock to win, however, and Ward's production is a major reason why. He's turned Miami into a national contender and, even after an idle weekend, continues to lead the country in passing yards (3,494) and touchdowns (32). Miami is two victories from reaching the ACC Championship Game; first up, the 'Canes host Wake Forest in their 2024 home finale.