Heisman watch: Taking stock of the race halfway through the season

There are four clear favorites for the Heisman Trophy at the midway point in the season.

All-world running back Ashton Jeanty — our midseason Heisman pick — is the favorite at BetMGM at +200. He’s followed by Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel at +350, and Miami QB Cam Ward and Colorado DB/WR Travis Hunter at +650.

The No. 5 favorite, Alabama QB Jalen Milroe, is all the way back at +1300.

Jeanty has been unstoppable so far this season. His 1,248 rushing yards are 311 more yards than anyone else in college football. He leads the country with 17 rushing touchdowns and is averaging an absurd 9.9 yards a carry.

Gabriel led Oregon to a big win over Ohio State in Week 7. He threw for 341 yards and two interceptions and also rushed for a 27-yard TD. With Florida’s Graham Mertz out for the season, Gabriel is the active completion percentage leader this season at 76.1%.

Ward leads all QBs who have played six games with 2,219 passing yards and is tied atop the passing TDs list with 20. The former Washington State QB has been integral in Miami’s turnaround from a disappointing 2023 season.

Hunter is Colorado’s leading receiver and top corner. He plays nearly every offensive and defensive snap and appeared to avoid a serious injury against Kansas State. He suffered an apparent right shoulder injury against the Wildcats and missed the second half. But coach Deion Sanders said Tuesday that Hunter would play on Saturday against Arizona.

Milroe heads into Alabama’s game on Saturday leading the country in yards per pass (11.2) and is tied with Ward and Texas State’s Jordan McCloud with 23 combined TDs. Milroe is also Alabama’s most important rusher.

Here’s how the Heisman picture is shaping up after Week 7. (Joseph Raines/Yahoo Sports)

It’s far from a guarantee, however, that the Heisman race is down to these five players. With…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-10-16 13:32:58

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