By Matthew Sullivan
The Heisman Trophy ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, December 14th at 8 PM on ESPN.
The four finalists for the award are Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward.
The award is given to the most outstanding player in college football during the season. The voting process uses a combination of stats, team success, and impact to determine the winner.
It is determined by 928 total ballots. 870 ballots are divided evenly amongst six different regions across the country. The other 58 are from 57 previous Heisman winners and one ballot from a public poll.
First place votes receive three points, second place two points, and third place one point.
This race is a historical anomaly, at least in recent memory. Dating back to 2019, where there were four listed finalists, each year featured a minimum of three quarterbacks.
That is not the only reason this Heisman race stands out. The last time a non-quarterback won the award was 2020, in which Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith had a record breaking season. Prior to that, it was Alabama running back Derrick Henry in 2015.
The historical context of this year’s Heisman race goes even further. While there are four candidates, two stand above the rest.
There’s Ashton Jeanty, a Boise State running back that has quite literally ran the Broncos into the College Football Playoff and the best record the program has had in 13 years (12-1).
This season, through 13 games he owns the 4th most rushing yards in a single season in NCAA history with 2,497 and adds 29 touchdowns. More than most quarterbacks have thrown for in college football, including fellow Heisman candidate and Oregon quarterback, Dillon Gabriel. Historic stuff.
“One of the best running backs I have ever had the opportunity to watch” said Matt Miller, NFL Draft analyst and insider for ESPN. “He is right up there, if not better than Melvin Gordon and Saquon Barkley as a college running back and pro prospect.”
On the other hand, Travis Hunter is a one of one. Never before seen and likely not to be replicated any time soon. He is simultaneously one of the best wide receivers and cornerbacks in all of college football.
He plays over 120 snaps on a game-to-game basis. For those unaware, players average around 60 because they play either offense or defense. He plays both.
In a game as violent and physically taxing as football, there have been players who play a few snaps on defense but are primarily offensive players and vice versa. Hunter plays every snap, for both units.
He has nearly 100 catches and well over 1,100 receiving yards with 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He adds 4 interceptions, 10 passes defended, and 31 tackles on defense. Separately, these numbers can win awards at those positions. Together, they create something never been done before.
“He’s the best player in the country, hands down,” said Shedeur Sanders, quarterback of the Colorado Buffaloes and teammate of Travis Hunter in a recent postgame interview with CBS. “There’s not a lot of guys that can do what he does on offense or defense.”
This Heisman race also plays to the casual fan. It is historical and unlike any of the others seen in the past. You do not need to be an avid follower of college football to fall for one of the most unique award races of all time.
“I am going to watch because it’s one of the closest heisman races in years,” said former CSI student Dean Wagner. “From hardcore to casual fans like myself, both players are all over my social media feed so it has me invested.”
Wagner, like many others who consider themselves casual fans have been drawn to the sport by these two historic seasons. The coverage on social media has been incredible, for both players, but especially Hunter and Colorado due to their coach, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.
For many CSI students, it is either finals week, or right before when projects/essays are due. For many, sports are an escape.
“Finals week is always stressful and difficult but once it’s over, there’s no greater sense of relief,” said current CSI student Thomas Marrotte. “I won’t miss this, it’ll be a needed break. Ashton Jeanty doing his best Barry Sanders impression and Travis Hunter is playing both sides of the football at an elite level.”
Everybody needs a break sometimes, sports are an easy way to take a short breather and forget about all the upcoming work or tests that need to be completed. The end of the semester is close, this is two hours to remove from work and clear the mind.
History will be made and a precedent will be set forever on what is valued by Heisman voters. This is an anomalous race and one that will have many glued to their screen.
