With the 2024 college football season well underway, the race for the Heisman Trophy is heating up, and all eyes are on Miami’s Cam Ward. After leading the Hurricanes to a dominant 62-0 victory over Ball State, Ward’s performance continues to generate significant buzz. He threw for 346 yards and five touchdowns in that game, marking his third consecutive 300-yard performance.
This exceptional start has placed Ward firmly at the top of Heisman watch lists, including those compiled by on3.com and Fansided. Ward’s command of Miami’s offense, completing 73% of his passes, has turned him into a fan favorite for college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart Stay in the Hunt
While Ward is the current front-runner, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe is also making his case. Milroe led the Crimson Tide to a convincing 42-10 win over Wisconsin, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two more. His dual-threat capabilities, paired with Alabama’s high expectations, make him a strong contender in the Heisman race. With performances like these, it’s no surprise that his Heisman Trophy odds are climbing, placing him second on on3.com’s list, just behind Ward.
Another quarterback to keep an eye on is Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, who had a standout performance with 377 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-6 victory over Wake Forest. Dart’s consistency and leadership have propelled him into third place on many Heisman watch lists.
Dark Horses and Emerging Stars
Kansas State’s Avery Johnson, a dark horse in the Heisman race, is also making headlines. Johnson has led the Wildcats to a 3-0 start and showcased his dual-threat potential with both his arm and legs. He also recorded 156 passing yards and 110 rushing yards in a win over Arizona. Johnson may not be a household name yet, but his rapid rise is turning heads and could lead to a surprise Heisman bid if he continues his stellar play.
Meanwhile, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, a preseason favorite, missed time due to an abdominal strain, opening the door for freshman Arch Manning to shine. Manning impressed with 223 yards and four touchdowns in his debut. Should Ewers return soon, the Heisman race could get even more interesting as Texas fights for prominence in the national spotlight.
Key Dates to Watch for in the Heisman Race
As the 2024 season progresses, there are several key dates to keep an eye on that will shape the outcome of the Heisman Trophy race. The first important milestone is December 2, when Heisman ballots are distributed to voters.
Following this, the Heisman voting deadline falls on December 9. By this time, all votes must be cast, and the finalists will be announced on the same day. The selection of finalists is always a highly anticipated event, as it narrows down the field to the players most likely to take home the trophy.
Finally, the Heisman Trophy ceremony itself is scheduled for December 14 at 8 pm ET, broadcasted live on ESPN. This will be the night when the winner is officially crowned, and the journey for college football’s most prestigious award comes to a close.
Conclusion: Ward Sets the Pace, But Anything Can Happen
As we head deeper into the 2024 season, Cam Ward remains the player to beat in the Heisman Trophy race. As always, one thing is certain—Heisman voters will be watching every game closely as the stakes get higher with each passing week.
