Will Travis Hunter Make History as the Heisman Trophy’s First Two-Way Winner?
The Heisman Trophy race is heating up, with four exceptional college football players vying for college football’s most prestigious individual honor. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Miami’s Cam Ward, and Colorado’s Travis Hunter are the finalists for the 2023 award, set to be announced on Saturday.
A historically unique contender
Hunter has emerged as a serious favorite for the award. This season, he’s excelled as both a wide receiver and cornerback for Colorado. His versatility makes him a unique contender, having blazed new trails for offensive and defensive performances.
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Will an unlikely winner break a trend?
Hunter and Jeanty present a unique challenge to the recent trend of quarterbacks dominating the Heisman race. The last non-quarterback to win was Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith in 2020, while Alabama running back Derrick Henry was the last running back to secure the award in 2015. Gabriel and Ward represent a more traditional Heisman profile, but their chances may hinge on the performance of their respective teams in their upcoming postseason games.
The Case for Each Finalist
Hunter’s credentials are undeniable. He leads the Big 12 in receptions (92) for 1,152 yards and a league-best 14 touchdowns. As a cornerback, his contributions include four interceptions, one forced fumble, 32 tackles and a Big 12-best 11 passes defended. He is projected to be a top-3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, fueling speculation about his potential to excel as a two-way player at the next level.
Jeanty has propelled Boise State to the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff, setting records in the process. He leads the FBS in rushing yards (2,497) and touchdowns (29), and he has the chance to break Barry Sanders’ all-time rushing record (Oklahoma State, 1988) with at least one more game to play.
Gabriel has been instrumental in leading Oregon to an undefeated 13-0 season and the No. 1 seed in the CFP. He has completed 73.2% of his passes for 3,558 yards with 28 touchdowns and six interceptions. His performances against stiff competition, including wins over Ohio State and Penn State, solidify his case for the award.
Ward has had a strong season, completing 67.4% of his passes for 4,123 yards, 36 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Although Miami’s late-season struggles may have impacted his chances, he remains a contender with a stellar resume.
**Who will win the Heisman Trophy?**
This year’s race is one of the most compelling in recent memory, with four deserving finalists showcasing both individual brilliance and team success. Who do you think will win the Heisman Trophy?
