Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and Miami’s Cam Ward have been named as the finalists for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding player since 1935. This year’s winner will be revealed Saturday in New York.
The finalists were selected from the top four vote-getters among over 900 voters, a panel consisting of media members and former Heisman winners.
Dillon Gabriel: Oregon’s Record-Breaking Quarterback
Gabriel, a senior quarterback who transferred to Oregon from Oklahoma, has been a standout in his first season leading the top-ranked Ducks. Under Gabriel’s guidance, Oregon claimed the Big Ten championship in its inaugural year in the conference and secured the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Known for his precision, Gabriel has thrown for 28 touchdowns with only six interceptions, averaging 274 passing yards per game. His 73.2% completion rate is second-best in the nation, and his 35 total touchdowns rank seventh. He also set the NCAA record for career quarterback starts with 62, capped by the Big Ten title game. His career total of 187 touchdowns is the highest in NCAA history.
Travis Hunter: Colorado’s Two-Way Phenomenon
Travis Hunter has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest two-way players in college football, drawing comparisons to Charles Woodson, the only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman (1997). Hunter’s offensive output surpasses Woodson’s, earning him All-Big 12 first-team honors as a receiver.
Hunter leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions, 14 receiving touchdowns, and 1,152 yards. His 21 plays of 20 or more yards top the nation. On defense, he’s equally dominant, earning unanimous first-team honors as a defensive back and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year title. He has 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and four interceptions, showcasing his all-around talent.
Ashton Jeanty: Boise State’s Dominant Running Back
Junior running back Ashton Jeanty has had a historic season, amassing 2,497 rushing yards—the fourth-highest single-season total in FBS history. His average of 192.1 rushing yards per game leads the nation by a wide margin, and he has scored 29 rushing touchdowns, tied for the national lead.
Jeanty’s consistency is unparalleled, with 13 consecutive games of 125+ rushing yards and six games surpassing 200 yards. His 7.26 yards per carry and 344 rushing attempts are a testament to his workhorse ability.
Cam Ward: Miami’s Offensive Dynamo
Senior quarterback Cam Ward has been a driving force behind Miami’s high-powered offense, leading the nation with 36 passing touchdowns and ranking second with 4,123 passing yards. He also boasts 4,319 total yards and 41 touchdowns. Ward’s 343.6 passing yards per game are the cornerstone of Miami’s top-ranked scoring offense, which averages 44.2 points per game.
Ward set a school record with seven consecutive 300-yard games and has ten games with 300+ yards and at least three touchdown passes this season. His stellar play earned him Associated Press ACC Offensive Player and Newcomer of the Year honors.
As the college football world eagerly awaits the announcement, these four players have etched their names into the sport’s storied history, each bringing unique talent and achievements to the race for the Heisman Trophy.
