While it might be dramatically early for some, with CFB now a quarter of the way through the season, I felt it was more than perfect timing to begin the dialogue about the Heisman award race and showcase my top five candidates for the award currently.
That said, readers, please understand that this list is subject to change as we head into Week 5 of the CFB season, with plenty of games and opportunities for players to move up and down the list.
Travis Hunter (Colorado Buffaloes)
Travis Hunter of the Colorado Buffaloes. Undoubtedly the best athlete in college football right now, Hunter is making headlines and redefining the dual-threat position with his jaw-dropping performances. On the offensive side, Hunter is lighting up the stat sheets. Currently ranking sixth in the nation with 472 receiving yards, he is tied for third in receiving touchdowns among wide receivers, boasting an impressive five touchdowns. What sets him apart, however, is his consistency; he has recorded at least seven catches and over 100 receiving yards in each of the last four games.
He electrifies the crowd every time he steps onto the field and leaves opponents scrambling to keep up. Whether it’s making crucial catches or shutting down receivers on defense, Travis Hunter is the premier player to watch this season.
This level of production showcases his skill set and his ability to perform under pressure, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. But Travis Hunter’s talents don’t end on the offensive side of the ball. As a defensive back, he continues to impress, contributing significantly to the Buffaloes’ defense. With 14 total tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception to his name, Hunter proves that he can excel on both sides of the ball. His versatility allows him to impact the game in multiple ways, drawing the attention of scouts and fans alike. In a season filled with standout athletes, Hunter’s unique skill set and relentless drive set him apart as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
Ashton Jeanty (Boise St. Broncos)
When it comes to the most electrifying player in the Mountain West, Ashton Jeanty, running back for the Boise State Broncos, is making his case loud and clear. With a blend of speed, agility, and sheer determination, Jeanty has taken college football by storm, racking up impressive yards and touchdowns with remarkable ease.
Jeanty burst onto the scene with a series of jaw-dropping performances, including two games where he amassed over 190 rushing yards. These explosive outings have propelled him to a stunning second place nationally with 586 rushing yards, a testament to his playmaking ability. What’s even more astonishing is that while the players ranked first and third in rushing yards have already eclipsed 80 carries, Jeanty has accomplished his feats with fewer than 60 carries, showcasing his efficiency and big-play potential.
Ashton Jeanty’s unique blend of speed and vision makes him a nightmare for defenders. He has an uncanny ability to break tackles and find the smallest of gaps, allowing him to turn routine plays into explosive gains. With each game, he continues to strengthen his case as the top running back in this draft class and a Heisman front-runner.
Cam Ward (Miami Hurricanes)
Initially met with skepticism when he chose to join Coach Mario Cristobal in Miami, Cam Ward has quickly silenced his critics with a string of impressive performances that have redefined expectations. Coming off his best outing yet, Ward lit up the field with a staggering 404 yards and three touchdowns last week, showcasing his arm strength and decision-making under pressure. This performance not only solidified his role as the leader of the Hurricanes' offense but also demonstrated his capability to excel in high-stakes situations.
Currently, Ward ranks second in the nation in passing yards, a testament to his consistency and skill. More impressively, he sits atop the leaderboard with 14 passing touchdowns, further highlighting his ability to find the end zone and orchestrate the Miami offense effectively. Ward continues to impress, transforming doubts into accolades and solidifying his place among the elite quarterbacks in college football.
Regarded as one of the most pro-ready players in CFB today, Ward’s blend of athleticism, intelligence, and work ethic sets him apart. Scouts and analysts are taking notice as he positions himself not just as a standout quarterback, but as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.
Honorable Mentions:
Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss Rebels)
Off to the best start of his collegiate career, Jaxson Dart is proving to be a talented QB, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility on the field. Dart leads the nation with an impressive 1,554 passing yards, demonstrating his ability to air it out and connect with his receivers. His accuracy is equally remarkable; he ranks second in the country in completion percentage, highlighting his precision and smart decision-making.
Dart has been a key contributor in the red zone, tying for third in the nation with 13 passing touchdowns. He doesn’t stop there; his ability to make plays with his legs adds another layer to his game. With three rushing touchdowns this season, Dart has proven that he can capitalize on opportunities, whether through the air or on the ground, making him a true dual-threat quarterback.
With such a strong start, Jaxson Dart is undoubtedly a name to watch as the season progresses.
Kaleb Johnson (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Iowa Hawkeyes’ offensive resurgence has been thanks to running back Kaleb Johnson, who has established himself as one of the most dynamic players in college football. After an electrifying Week 4 performance, where he rushed for a career-high 206 yards and three touchdowns, Johnson was rightfully named Big Ten Player of the Week, shining a spotlight on his incredible talent.
Currently leading the nation with 685 rushing yards, Johnson is making his mark as a premier ball-carrier. His nine rushing touchdowns place him second in the nation, underscoring his effectiveness in finding the end zone. What’s particularly impressive is his consistency; he has opened his junior campaign with a remarkable streak of four straight games, each featuring over 100 rushing yards and an average of two touchdowns per game.
With an average of 171 yards and a touchdown per game, Kaleb Johnson is not just on track to surpass his career numbers—he’s poised to double them this season. As he continues to rack up yards and touchdowns, expectations will only grow, and fans will be eager to see how he can further elevate his game.
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