Travis Hunter’s early departure due to an injury did not change the fact that he remains one of the top players in college football. Despite watching his team suffer a close loss, his reputation remains intact following Saturday’s game.
However, when it comes to the Heisman Trophy, it’s not just about reputation but also about performance, and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is making a strong case for himself. Jeanty received 20 first-place votes and 74 points after a stellar performance of 217 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown in a 28-7 victory over Hawaii.
Meanwhile, Miami quarterback Cam Ward held onto third place with 21 points, and the up-and-coming Dillon Gabriel, the Oregon quarterback, made a strong impression with a standout performance against Ohio State.
Other notable players in the Heisman straw poll include Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith also received a vote for his impressive display in a loss against Oregon.
Jeanty continues to dominate the rushing stats, leading the nation in rushing yards and yards per game. He is on pace to break Barry Sanders’ FBS record if Boise State reaches the Mountain West title game.
Ultimately, the Heisman race is heating up with strong contenders emerging, and it will be interesting to see how the season unfolds for these talented players.
(Photo: Marco Garcia / Imagn Images)