NFL Analysis
9/3/24
5 min read
Ranking Top 5 Heisman Candidates After Week 1 of College Football
Several players across the country are already starting their Heisman Trophy campaigns after an electric Week 1 of the college football season.
While established quarterbacks like Oregon's Dillon Gabriel and Georgia's Carson Beck still have time to establish themselves as Heisman favorites, there were so many other breakout games from Week 1 that neither player had enough production to make the post-Week 1 ranking.
Heisman rankings will even out as the season goes on, but as of right now, here are the five players at the top of the Heisman Trophy race heading into Week 2.
>> READ MORE: Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Ranking Heisman Trophy Candidates
5. Cam Ward, QB, Miami 
The Miami Hurricanes took care of business against their in-state rival Florida Gators. New QB Cam Ward was a big reason for that, completing nearly 75 percent of his passes for 385 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the 41-17 win.
Ward also made a handful of plays with his legs, rushing for another 33 yards on three carries and looking casual while doing it.
12 Yard run by Cam Ward pic.twitter.com/ANauGYfYOk
— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) August 31, 2024
Ward and the Hurricanes wanted to make a statement against the Gators in Week 1. The former Washington State and Incarnate Word quarterback showed off improvisational ability and a rocket arm that should help Miami continue to make explosive plays all season.
A few more performances like this one on a national stage would help Ward shoot up the Heisman rankings.
4. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado 
Shedeur Sanders also belongs in the Heisman Trophy conversation, but it's Colorado's two-way player that should be generating the most hype.
Hunter logged 124 total snaps in the Buffaloes' opener against North Dakota State, sitting out just two plays the entire game. He was targeted twice for 14 receiving yards on defense while catching seven passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns on offense.
Travis Hunter is good pic.twitter.com/Zv40oeHwli
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) August 30, 2024
There isn't another player in college football who can do what Hunter does. His stamina, athletic ability, and instincts consistently show up on film when he's healthy. His biggest issue is keeping Colorado relevant enough for voters to give him Heisman consideration.
If Colorado can't become a title contender, or Hunter gets hurt from playing full-time on both sides of the ball, it'll be difficult for him to stay on this list.
>> READ MORE: Stock Report on Draft's Best Prospects
That Tetairoa McMillan clip going around is so much better with the all-22.
— Christian Williams (@CWilliamsNFL) September 2, 2024
He settles in the first window before the instincts and QB chemistry take over. Really impressive stuff from Noah Fifita here, too. pic.twitter.com/YxWkmBEzEu
3. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona 
The Arizona Wildcats have one of the most exciting offenses in college football, but they're not getting the national recognition they deserve.
QB Noah Fifita's connection with Tetairoa McMillan was on full display in Week 1 against New Mexico. The two connected 10 times for an absurd 304 yards and four touchdowns in the 61-39 win. Their biggest play of the game came on an off-script adjustment, with the 6-foot-5, 212-pound wideout turning on the jets to take the ball 78 yards for a touchdown.
McMillan's highlight reel in 2023 was filled with jaw-dropping catches. He's a sensational 50-50 ball receiver with enough juice to press the field vertically and create separation. His connection with Fifita is established from their time together at the high school level, and it shows routinely on Saturdays.
The duo has the chance to put up video game numbers throughout the 2024 season.
Big Play Tre 🗣️@_treharris | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/vnAqGDdrJK
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 1, 2024
2. Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi 
If there's an SEC quarterback to keep an eye on for the Heisman Trophy right now, it's Jaxson Dart.
The Mississippi quarterback dominated against Furman in Week 1. He completed 81.5 percent of his passes for 418 yards and five touchdowns, adding another 27 yards and a score on the ground. Along with the big yardage and touchdown numbers, it's his efficiency and accuracy that are so impressive.
Dart might have the best situation in college football. Along with a revamped offensive line via the transfer portal, he has a handful of dynamic pass-catchers in Tre Harris, Antwane Wells Jr., and TE Caden Prieskorn. He also has one of the most electric offensive play-callers in the nation, Lane Kiffin.
It's a perfect situation for a quarterback who's leading a team loaded with talent. The Georgia Bulldogs are still the early favorite in the SEC, but consistent production like this from Dart could have the Rebels turning some heads.
ASHTON JEANTY HAS SIX TOUCHDOWNS TODAY!!! pic.twitter.com/oK1XWaK0oX
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) August 31, 2024
1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State 
The most exciting player in college football right now is playing in the Mountain West.
The Boise State Broncos avoided an upset against Georgia Southern thanks to an otherworldly performance from RB Ashton Jeanty. On just 20 carries, Jeanty rushed for 267 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 13.4 yards per attempt.
Jeanty rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He looks like he could shatter that impressive production in 2024. He's a compact runner at 5-foot-9, 215 pounds, and has excellent contact balance, good vision, and enough top-end play speed to take runs all the way to the house.
The junior running back will look for a similar performance against a national title contender in the Oregon Ducks in Week 2. Another strong performance could solidify his status as the early Heisman Trophy favorite.
