Heisman Trophy Race Wide Open in 2024, But QB’s Remain Favorites

In 2023, the race for the Heisman Trophy was all over the map from the start of the season, until

the final weeks of the schedule. Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix Jr. were all the

favorites at one point of the season, but in the end, LSU’s Jayden Daniels emerged as the

winner. He was the overwhelming favorite by the end of the season but was as +2000 earlier in

the year. So who are the players in the mix in 2024 and is there a sleeper pick who could come

out of nowhere.

Dillon Gabriel, Oregon Ducks (+500)

From the moment Dillon Gabriel announced his decision to transfer to Oregon, he was instantly

considered a Heisman contender. Gabriel was stellar at Central Florida (UCF) and Oklahoma

throwing for nearly 16,000 yards and 125 touchdowns in just 49 starts. He’ll benefit from

offensive coordinator Will Stein’s high-octane offense which includes two of the best receivers in

the nation in Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart.

Carson Beck, Georgia Bulldogs (+750)

Carson Beck is favored to go first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft (+375) and is coming off a 13-1

record in his first season as the starter in Athens. He may not be as electrifying or dynamic as

Jayden Williams and Caleb Williams, but he’s an efficient passer and helped Georgia rack up 40

points per game, fifth most in the country.). Beck threw for nearly 4000 yards, 24 touchdowns

and completed more than 72% of his passes. The Bulldogs are once again a favorite to win the

national title, making Beck the logical choice to win the Heisman.

Quinn Ewers, Texas Longhorns (+900)

Quinn Ewers led the Longhorns to their first Big 12 title since 2009 and first playoff appearance.

Texas was 12-2 and Ewers was a big reason why, throwing for almost 3,500 yards and 22

touchdowns. The program now heads to the SEC and Ewers junior season could be even

better than what we saw in 2023.

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers (+2500)

LSU has produced two of the last five Heisman winners, so why now three in six?

Garrett Nussmeier takes over from Jayden Daniels and goes into his fourth season in Baton

Rouge. He’s had just one start in his career, that coming in the Reliaquest Bowl against

Wisconsin. Nussmeier threw for almost 400 yards, 3 scores and earned MVP for the game.

PRIME TIME LONGSHOT

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes (+2800)

He’s one of the biggest names in college football and the son of a legend. Colorado’s Shedeur

Sanders is also considered a possibility to go number one in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the

Buffaloes now play in the Big 12, and are considered one of the bottom teams in the

conference, Sanders will still look to solidify his stock leading into the draft. Despite going 4-8

last year, the pivot threw for 3,230 yards and 31 total touchdowns. The talent is there, but will

the rest of the roster be good enough for him to have a legitimate shot of winning the Heisman

Trophy?

2024-25 Heisman Winner Odds

Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) +500

Carson Beck (Georgia) +750

Quinn Ewers (Texas) +900

Nico Imaleava (Tennessee) +1200

Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) +1200

Jalen Milroe (Alabama) +1600

Will Howard (Ohio State) +2000

Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) +2500

Riley Leonard (Notre Dame) +2500
Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) +2800