The 2024 Heisman Trophy race is effectively over. If Alabama keeps rolling, and if Jalen Milroe keeps doing Jalen Milroe things, thanks everyone for playing. Engrave the name on the trophy now. But there are several fabulous players including two from Colorado, an unstoppable Mountain West running back, and two superstar freshman wide receivers who’ll be in the mix for the next few months. Here’s our top ten Heisman Trophy contender piece going into Week 6.
2024 Heisman Trophy Rankings: Week 6
10. Jeremiah Smith, WR Ohio State
Alabama’s Ryan Williams has owned the superstar freshman wide receiver space, but (Smith might eventually be better.)Smith doesn’t have the stats yet, but the 19 catches for 364 yards and five scores – averaging over 19 yards per catch – are better than solid. It’s the underground buzz. When Ohio State people are saying he’s among the most talented wide receivers the program has ever had you’re doing something right. Last Week Heisman Rank: Not Ranked.
9. Arch Manning, QB Texas
It’s all about the popularity contest element here, again with Arch. Against Mississippi State, he made 26 of 31 throws for 324 yards and two touchdowns, including a successful three-foot putt. He also ran six times for 33 yards and a score. The most difficult task will be to get Quinn Ewers off the field for the game against Oklahoma in two weeks. Heisman Rank from last week: 8.
8. Nico Iamaleava, QB Tennessee
Though he took this week off, the major events will shortly occur. Next up for Tennessee is its rivalry with Florida, then Arkansas, and finally Alabama. Iamaleava needs to pump up the stats, and then he’ll have to shine in the spotlight. Heisman Rank from last week: 7.
7. Ryan Williams, WR Alabama
Ryan Williams, who is just 17 years old, made one of the most stunning touchdown catches in college football history, going full Baryshnikov, to give the Alabama Tide the lead in the legendary battle against Georgia. Six throws later, he had 177 yards and that incredible touchdown. His 16 receptions for 462 yards and four touchdowns were a national record, averaging 28.88 yards per catch. Last Week Heisman Rank: Not Ranked
6. Dillon Gabriel, QB Oregon
He simply keeps moving forward. He may end this season as the most prolific passer in NCAA history, but he didn’t need to blow out UCLA 34–13. While he did throw an interception, he also rushed for 23 yards during the comparatively short rest period and completed 31 of 41 throws for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Heisman Rank from last week: 6.
5. Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado
Although Colorado quarterback Travis Hunter is currently receiving more attention, he has a greater chance of winning this game.In the 48-21 victory over UCF, Sanders passed for 290 yards and three touchdowns in addition to a poor pick.Heisman Rank from last week: 4.
4. Travis Hunter, WR/CB Colorado
I’ll put him this high because of the buzz, but he’s not going to win the Heisman.Forget about the absurd Richard Sherman’s remark that the squad was “bland”; it’s difficult to stand out when Deion Sanders is your coach. When it comes to a college football player, Hunter is ideal. All-American both on the field and in the classroom, Travis Hunter is a superb wide receiver, cornerback, and student. He may make it to the finals, but he will not win.In addition to making two stops and intercepting a pass against UCF, he recorded nine catches for 89 yards and a touchdown.Heisman Rank from last week: 9.
3. Cam Ward, QB Miami
It helps when his official name according to all the media outlets has been Heisman Favorite Cam Ward. The problem going forward will be the big games everyone will see – there really aren’t any – but he was good against Virginia Tech with 343 yards and four scores, and he ran for 57 yards and a touchdown. However, no one really remembers that after the finish. Last Week Heisman Rank: 2
2. Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise State
All that’s missing is the hype – it’s coming. How good has Jeanty been? He averages 40 yards per game more than the nation’s second-leading rusher, Kaleb Johnson of Iowa. He’s averaging 10.3 yards per carry with 13 touchdown runs – three more than Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson – and no one else has more than nine. He ran 26 times for 259 yards and four touchdowns in the 45-24 win over Washington State. Last Week Heisman Rank: 3
1. Jalen Milroe, QB Alabama
Even though Jayden Daniels was the real MVP, I told you at the end of the previous season that Jalen Milroe ought to have been a contender for the Heisman Trophy or ought to have been given more credit as the MVP in the truest meaning of the word. Prior to the season, I informed you that Jalen Milroe was the clear favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Throughout the offseason, I talked about it and didn’t really veer from it. When I did, it was largely to draw attention to different possibilities. 16 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns, and 27-of-33 for 374 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Georgia 34, Alabama 41.Get the ticket to New York, at the absolute least. Heisman Rank from last week: 1.
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