New York City, NY- Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are fifty short days away from the first game of the 2024-25 College Football season!
If that sentence doesn’t get you hyped, I don’t know what will.
With the season rapidly approaching, that means Heisman Trophy hopefuls begin to emerge. As most college football fans are painfully aware of, the Heisman Trophy, the game’s top honor, has gone from being awarded to the best player in college football to the top Quarterback in the game.
With that being said, I’m going to break down my Heisman Trophy Watchlist, regardless of position, school or conference, and in alphabetical order so nobody’s fanbase gets mad at me. Let’s dive into it!
Carson Beck, QB Georgia
Conveniently, the first alphabetical falls on the potential front runner and projected #1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Carson Beck had Georgia on top of the world last year, leading the Bulldogs to the #1 seed for the majority of the season, before an unfortunate loss to Alabama bumped them from Playoff contention. At the end of the 2023 season, Beck finished 3rd in yards, throwing for just under 4,000 yards and 24 scores.
Georgia is looking to atone for that loss against Bama, and should come out with a vengeance. Despite the SEC being a gauntlet (per usual), Georgia stands tall amongst the rest. Yes, I’m aware that most describe Beck as a “game manager” or “system QB” (because I do as well), but the system clearly works for the ‘Dawgs.
Jaxson Dart, QB Ol’ Miss
I would like to take this time to go on record and state that I love Jaxson Dart. His gutsy play style, his mentality, his swagger I love it. In 2023, Jaxson Dart recorded a solid 3,364 yards and 23 Touchdowns.
Dart’s play style perfectly compliments the aura that radiates off Lane Kiffin. Ole Miss is my sleeper SEC Championship team leading into this season. The Rebels spent the whole off-season building off the massacre they placed on Penn. State during the Peach Bowl.
Quinn Ewers, QB Texas
I know what you’re thinking: “Oh yay another SEC QB”. Just hear me out everyone. Ewers is definitely my personal Heisman favorite leading into this season. What’s not to love? He’s a gun slinger, recording approximately 3,500 yards last season, alongside 22 touchdowns. Ewers pairs his elite arm talent with sneaky athleticism, which allowed him to tally another 5 trips to the end zone while rushing.
In Texas’ first season in the SEC, I think the Longhorns place themselves in Championship contention, led by the elite play of Ewers.
Ollie Gordon II, RB Oklahoma State
Oh yay a Runningback!
During the 2023-24 season, one RB stood far apart from the rest of his peers: Ollie Gordon II. The 6 foot 1 junior lit up the BIG12, leading CFB in rushing yards (1,732) and scoring on 20 occasions.
Gordon should easily reprise his role as the top RB in the country in 2024. In doing so, he should have a serious argument for a Heisman finalist position.
Seth Henigan, QB Memphis
Of course I got to show love to the G5’s.
Memphis’ Seth Henigan is by far the top quarterback in the American Conference. In 2024, Henigan is expected to build off of a very successful 3,900 yard (4 CFB) and 32 score (6 CFB) season. The Tigers are my projected top team in the AAC, and Henigan could very easily lead Memphis to the coveted G5 spot in the College Football Playoff.
Travis Hunter, ATH Colorado
There’s not a lot of guys that have the specific skillset Travis Hunter possesses. Most of the time, two way players fizzle out after graduating high school, but not Travis Hunter. Hunter is attempting to prove that he’s the top skill player on both sides of the ball.
As Shedeur Sanders’ returning top target, and Colorado’s top corner, Hunter’s biggest concern is longevity and sustainability. Can a player play both sides of the ball at the highest level on a large snap count? There’s only one way to find out.
Avery Johnson, QB Kansas State
There’s a lot of Heisman buzz surrounding Avery Johnson leading into this season. Entering his true sophomore season, Johnson is being referred to as one of (if not the) top duel threat QBs in the country.
After watching him tear up NC-State in the Poptarts Bowl, I completely agree with all of the hype surrounding Johnson. Johnson’s top skill is easily his awareness. He methodically goes through his reads and picks apart the defense, or tucks the ball for big gains every rush. Expect a big year from the Wildcat star.
Will Johnson, DB Michigan
Now we’re getting bold. You know how I said Travis Hunter is poised to be the top corner this season? Well Michigan’s Will Johnson would like to throw his hat in the ring. This kid is already a star, and will continue to shine during this season.
I hope everyone reading takes a quick moment to watch this clip I embedded, because this is one of the best clips of DB film you’ll find. Johnson stalks the QB’s reads, stops on a dime, flips his hips, attacks the ball and high points the interception, and then takes it for a nice little return. Textbook DB play. I’m ready to place a futures bet on him right now.
Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado
Like Beck and Ewers, I feel like Shedeur Sanders is a relatively safe bet. We all know the hype thats surrounded the Colorado program over the past two seasons, and I think the Buffaloes take another step in the right direction. I love Shedeur’s receiver room this year, featuring returning stars like Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn, as well as elite FAU transfer Lajohntay Wester.
Cam Ward, QB Miami (FL)
No I am not being a Miami homer with this take.
Anyone that has had the pleasure of talking ball with me knows I am riding high on the Miami Hurricanes leading into this season. I thought the ‘Canes easily had the best off-season in the ACC, headlined by the addition of Cam Ward out of the portal.
Cam Ward’s veteran leadership and elite duel threat ability, mixed with a plethora of receivers will lead Miami’s offense into their first ACC Title in program history (yes, I’m calling it). I believe Ward takes an even bigger leap, writing a very long Heisman rap sheet.
Here we have it folks, a top ten Pre-Season Heisman hopefuls. Who on this list surprised you? Do you feel your team’s favorite player got snubbed?
Drop your takes down in the comments!
Cover Photo Credit: Christian Proscia