2024 Heisman Watch: Ashton Jeanty, Cam Ward sit atop leaderboard

College football fans were treated to a flurry of thrilling upsets in Week 6, including Vanderbilt’s stunning 40-35 win over No. 1-ranked Alabama, which in return knocked Crimson Tide Jalen Milroe down from his top spot on this list.

While Milroe and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava saw their Heisman stock take a hit following their respective team’s losses, others made a leap up the Heisman leaderboard, including Boise State standout running back Ashton Jeanty, who put together another jaw-dropping performance on Saturday. The Broncos’ do-it-all back rushed for 186 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries and now holds the top spot on this week’s Heisman watch list.

Miami QB Cam Ward maintained the No. 2 spot on the list after leading the Hurricanes to an incredible comeback win over Cal, while Travis Hunter saw his odds increase, despite Colorado having an off week.

Here is a look at the current Heisman Trophy odds following a jam-packed Week 6.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State: +225

One play. 65 yards. Touchdown.

That is how Boise State’s day started, as the first carry of the game went to star Ashton Jeanty, who took the handoff, broke a pair of tackles, bounced to the outside, threw another defender off him, and cruised down the sideline for a 63-yard rushing score. That touchdown run set the tone for what was a memorable day for the Broncos‘ star running back. 

Not only did Jeanty become the first FBS player to reach 1,000 rushing yards this season, but he did so while finishing the game with an eye-popping 186 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries, an average of 14.3 yards per carry. Through five games, Jeanty has totaled 1,031 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. If he, and the Broncos, can keep this up, it’s hard to see anyone overtaking Jeanty on the Heisman Trophy leaderboard.

Next: Jeanty and the Broncos travel to Hawaii to take on the Rainbow Warriors on Oct. 12.

Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.): +330

Ward’s Heisman odds looked to be plummeting with the Hurricanes trailing Cal, 38-18, in the fourth quarter. But then, the senior QB had what could ultimately end up being his Heisman moment, leading Miami back from 20 points down to a miraculous 39-38 victory, marking the largest comeback win by Miami in 21 years. Ward finished the game 35-of-53 for 437 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning TD pass to Elijah Arroyo with 26 seconds remaining. Ward also added a rushing score in the win as Miami is now 6-0 for the first time since the 2007 season.

Next: Ward and the Hurricanes have a bye and then travel to Louisville to take on the Cardinals on Oct. 19.

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado: +350

Hunter and the Buffs had a bye this week, but with Jalen Milroe and No. 1-ranked Alabama falling to unranked Vanderbilt, Colorado’s two-way superstar saw his Heisman odds take another leap.

Hunter has been nothing short of spectacular this season, hauling in a team-high 46 catches for 561 yards and six touchdowns on offense, while totaling 15 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble on defense. His ability to play 100-plus snaps every game is incredible, and the impact he makes on both sides of the ball is why he has a legitimate chance to take home the most prestigious individual award in college football this season.

Next: Hunter and the Buffaloes go up against Kansas State on Oct. 12.

Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama, +1100

Jalen Milroe and the Alabama Crimson Tide entered Saturday on top of the college football universe following a memorable 41-34 win over Georgia last weekend. But Milroe and the Tide were on the wrong side of history this weekend, falling 40-35 to unranked Vanderbilt, marking the Commodores‘ first win over an AP Top 5 opponent in program history. Milroe completed 18 of 24 passes for 310 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the loss.

Next: Milroe and the Crimson Tide take on South Carolina on Oct. 12.

Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon: +1500

Gabriel had an up-and-down game in Oregon’s 31-10 win over Michigan State on Friday night. After a slow start, which included two first-half interceptions, the Ducks’ star QB finished with 257 yards and two touchdowns, along with those two picks. He also added 22 yards and a score on the ground. Gabriel will have a chance to boost his Heisman stock next weekend as the Ducks take on No. 3-ranked Ohio State.

Next: Gabriel and the Ducks take on Ohio State on Oct. 12.

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson: +1600

Klubnik’s Heisman hype heading into the season took an immediate hit following Clemson’s 34-3 blowout loss to Georgia in Week 1. However, since that time, Klubnik and the Tigers have been playing exceptional football. It was the same story on Saturday as Klubnik led Clemson to an impressive 29-13 win over Florida State. The junior signal-caller completed 19 of 33 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 62 yards on the ground. The Tigers should be favored in every remaining game on their schedule, meaning Klubnik will have the chance to put up big numbers and continue to see his Heisman stock rise.

Next: Klubnik and the Tigers travel to Wake Forest to take on the Demon Deacons on Oct. 12.

Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss: +1800

Dart did not have his best game on Saturday, but a win is a win, and that’s exactly what Ole Miss needed this weekend following an ugly 20-17 loss to Kentucky in Week 5. Dart passed for 285 yards and didn’t throw a touchdown or an interception in the Rebels’ 27-3 win over South Carolina on Saturday. He also added 44 yards on the ground as Ole Miss improved to 5-1 overall and 1-1 in the SEC.

Next: Dart and the Rebels travel to LSU to take on the Tigers on Oct. 12.

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