As the 2024-25 college football season unfolds, the Heisman Trophy conversation is heating up, with some surprising shifts in the odds and standout performances from unexpected contenders. Traditionally dominated by quarterbacks, this year’s race has taken an intriguing turn, with Boise State’s running back Ashton Jeanty rising to the top of the Heisman list. Though Jeanty wasn’t even on the radar at the start of the season, his spectacular performances have made him the favorite to claim college football’s most coveted award.

Let’s dive into the current Heisman favorites, key stats, and potential dark horses, as well as some predictions for who might ultimately lift the trophy in December.

Top Contenders for the 2024-25 Heisman Trophy

Ashton Jeanty (+170) – Boise State Running Back

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has taken the college football world by storm this season. Entering the year with over 50-1 odds to win the Heisman, Jeanty now sits as the +170 favorite. What’s propelled him to the forefront? Sheer dominance on the field.

Through six games, Jeanty has accumulated some truly jaw-dropping stats:

• 1,248 rushing yards on 126 carries, averaging an impressive 9 yards per carry.

• 17 rushing touchdowns, and he’s added another receiving touchdown for good measure.

With these numbers, Jeanty is on pace to challenge the legendary Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards. Whether or not he surpasses that milestone, his performances have certainly made him the frontrunner for the Heisman. If Jeanty can stay healthy and maintain this level of production, it’s hard to imagine him not being in New York for the Heisman ceremony.

Dillon Gabriel (+300) – Oregon Quarterback

After transferring to Oregon, Dillon Gabriel has been nothing short of outstanding. He started the season as the +700 favorite and has since shortened his odds to +300, though he’s now ranked second behind Jeanty. Gabriel’s success is closely tied to Oregon’s strong start this season, as they’ve rocketed to the No. 2 spot in the AP Top 25.

So far, Gabriel has:

• Thrown for 1,790 passing yards, ranking 10th in the country.

• A 76.1% completion rate, the best among players with at least 100 pass attempts.

Gabriel's efficient playmaking and leadership have kept Oregon in playoff contention, and if he can deliver more Heisman-worthy moments in crucial games, he could very well surpass Jeanty as the Heisman favorite.

Cam Ward (+600) – Miami Quarterback

Miami’s Cam Ward is another name rising in the Heisman odds, moving from +2000 to +600. The Hurricanes have maintained a perfect 6-0 record, despite some close calls. Ward has been a major factor in their success, and his stats show why:

• 20 passing touchdowns, tied for the most in the FBS.

• 10.4 yards per passing attempt.

• An additional three rushing touchdowns on the year.

However, Ward and Miami need to tighten up to ensure they don’t drop any key games down the stretch. A few losses could hurt Ward’s Heisman chances, but if the Hurricanes stay unbeaten, he’ll remain in the conversation.

Travis Hunter (+1000) – Colorado Two-Way Star

Travis Hunter entered the season as a longshot with +5000 odds, but his incredible performances as both a receiver and a defensive back have catapulted him into the top tier of contenders. While Colorado has had some ups and downs, Hunter’s dual-threat abilities have kept him in the spotlight.

On offense, he has:

• 587 receiving yards, which ranks 8th nationally.

• 6 receiving touchdowns.

On defense, Hunter has also tallied 2 interceptions and forced 1 fumble. His versatility and highlight-reel moments make him a fan favorite, but there’s a caveat: Hunter suffered a shoulder injury, which could derail his Heisman campaign if it forces him to miss significant time.

Jalen Milroe (+1000) – Alabama Quarterback

Jalen Milroe has been Alabama’s lifeblood on offense, and after an early-season surge, he’s currently sitting at 10-1 odds for the Heisman. Milroe’s combination of passing and rushing makes him a dangerous dual-threat quarterback:

• 1,483 passing yards and 12 passing touchdowns.

• 319 rushing yards and an impressive 11 rushing touchdowns.

Alabama’s playoff hopes hinge on Milroe’s continued excellence. If the Crimson Tide can avoid another loss and stay in contention for the College Football Playoff, Milroe will remain a key contender for the Heisman.

Dark Horse Candidates

While the favorites have certainly earned their positions, the Heisman race is unpredictable, and there are still some under-the-radar players who could make a late-season push. Let’s take a look at a few longshots worth watching.

Quinn Ewers (+2200) – Texas Quarterback

Quinn Ewers was once one of the top candidates for the Heisman, opening the season with +1000 odds. However, an oblique injury sidelined him, and his Heisman chances took a hit as a result. Now at +2200, Ewers has returned to the field, and Texas remains unbeaten. If the Longhorns can continue to win and Ewers can deliver strong performances, he could rise back into serious contention.

Drew Allar (+2500) – Penn State Quarterback

Drew Allar is a name not many expected to see in the Heisman discussion. Leading Penn State to a top-three ranking in the polls, Allar’s consistent play has put him on the radar. His Heisman moment came in the Nittany Lions’ thrilling overtime win against USC, where he completed nearly 70% of his passes and threw for 391 yards.

As Penn State continues its march toward the playoff, Allar’s Heisman stock could rise if he keeps delivering standout performances.

Jaxson Dart (+3000) – Ole Miss Quarterback

Ole Miss has had an up-and-down season, which has impacted Jaxson Dart’s Heisman odds. He started the season as a top-tier contender at +1200 but has since fallen to +3000 after the Rebels dropped two of their last three games. Despite the team’s struggles, Dart remains one of the more talented quarterbacks in the country. If Ole Miss can regroup and make a late-season run, Dart could find himself back in the mix.

Predictions: Who Will Win the 2024-25 Heisman Trophy?

It’s always a challenge to predict the Heisman winner, especially in a season filled with surprising performances and tight competition. That said, a few players have shown the potential to take home the trophy. Here are my top predictions:

1. Ashton Jeanty (+170) – Jeanty’s dominance on the ground has been breathtaking, and as long as he stays healthy, it’s hard to see anyone overtaking him. If Boise State continues to win and Jeanty keeps putting up jaw-dropping numbers, he will be a near-lock for the Heisman.

2. Dillon Gabriel (+300) – Gabriel is still very much in the hunt, and if Oregon can stay near the top of the rankings, he could end up being Jeanty’s toughest competition.

3. Travis Hunter (+1000) – Hunter’s versatility is his X-factor. If he can return from injury and keep making big plays on both sides of the ball, he will be hard to ignore in the Heisman race.

Ultimately, the Heisman race remains wide open, with each contender having the opportunity to create their own Heisman moments in the remaining games. As the season unfolds, the pressure will mount, and we’ll see who can rise to the occasion.