How I Filled Out My 2024 Heisman Trophy Ballot: A Deep Dive
The Heisman Trophy is one of the most prestigious individual awards in college football, and as a voter, it’s an honor that I take very seriously. The process of selecting the three most deserving players for this award is both exhilarating and challenging. It requires a deep dive into statistics, performances, and the impact each player has had on their team. Here’s a detailed look at how I approached my 2024 Heisman Trophy ballot.
The Importance of Comprehensive Evaluation
I believe that to truly understand a player’s value, you need to watch them in action, not just rely on box scores or highlight reels. Throughout the regular season, I dedicated time to watching games from coast to coast, often juggling multiple games simultaneously through YouTube TV. This allowed me to form my own opinions about the top candidates in real time. For example, when Cam Ward led Miami back against Cal in a late-night game, I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. ET to ensure I was fully dialed into his performance.
The Heisman ballot arrives the Monday before conference championship weekend, and I always wait until after those games to cast my vote. While conference title games are important, they shouldn’t be the only factor. Excluding players who miss out on these games would be unfair, especially in a sport where team success is paramount. The Heisman, in my view, should reward the player who has made the most significant impact on their program throughout the season.
Narrowing Down the Finalists
This year, the decision was particularly difficult. Many players were on my radar, but ultimately, four just missed the cut:
- Dylan Sampson, Tennessee RB: Sampson was a crucial part of Tennessee’s offense, helping the team secure a Playoff berth. However, his fumbling issues in key games—losing a fumble in 4 of his last 6 outings—were a significant factor in him not making the final cut.
- Cam Ward, Miami QB: Ward was phenomenal, and if I had to pick the top quarterback for the 2024 season, he would have been my choice. His ability to lead Miami back in close games was remarkable, but some of the gambles he took and the team’s late-season struggles cost him a spot on my ballot.
- Tyler Warren, Penn State TE: Warren was an incredibly versatile tight end who posted impressive numbers, even surpassing peak Brock Bowers in some categories. However, his biggest games came against non-contenders, and Penn State didn’t always utilize him in key moments, which held him back.
- Dillon Gabriel, Oregon QB: Gabriel’s career stats are impressive, and he’s having his best season yet. However, with so much help around him, I felt that other players did more to lift their teams. That said, Gabriel’s clutch performances, especially against ranked opponents, make him a strong candidate for All-America honors.
My Final Ballot: A Closer Look
After careful consideration, I settled on the following three players for my 2024 Heisman Trophy ballot:
3. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State RB
Cam Skattebo’s season was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite missing a regular-season game, he still managed to rack up 2,074 scrimmage yards, the most among Power Conference players. His performance in the Big 12 Championship game, where he had 208 scrimmage yards and 3 touchdowns, solidified his place on my ballot. Skattebo’s ability to break tackles and run with power reminded me of peak Marshawn Lynch, and his leadership helped Arizona State become one of the surprise stories of the year. Unfortunately, Skattebo didn’t earn a trip to New York, but he absolutely deserved it.
2. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State RB
Ashton Jeanty’s season was jaw-dropping. He’s on the verge of breaking Barry Sanders’ 36-year-old rushing record, and his 192-yard performance against Oregon was just his 7th-best rushing game of the season. Jeanty’s consistency and ability to break big plays made college football more exciting. However, the debate over whether he should be No. 1 or No. 2 on my ballot centered on the level of competition he faced. While Jeanty dominated the Mountain West, I ultimately felt that Travis Hunter’s impact on a higher level of competition was slightly more impressive.
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado WR/CB
Travis Hunter’s dual-threat performance was unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory. As both a wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter was dominant in both roles. He finished 6th in receiving yards and 3rd among Power Conference players, with 8 receiving touchdowns in the second half/OT—more than any other player in FBS. On defense, he allowed just a 58% completion percentage and had 4 interceptions, all while playing 144 snaps in a critical overtime win against Baylor. Hunter’s versatility and stamina were unmatched, and his impact on Colorado’s turnaround from a 6-win team in the past 16 years to a 9-win team this season cannot be overstated.
Conclusion: A Year of Unprecedented Talent
The 2024 Heisman race was one of the most competitive in recent memory. Each of the players I considered brought something unique to the table, and narrowing it down to just three was no easy task. In the end, I chose players who not only excelled statistically but also made a profound impact on their teams. Travis Hunter’s dual-role dominance, Cam Skattebo’s power running, and Ashton Jeanty’s record-breaking performances all deserve recognition.
For me, the Heisman is about more than just numbers—it’s about the player who leaves the biggest footprint on the season. And in 2024, Travis Hunter did just that.