A look at the Heisman Trophy contenders entering the season:
Favorites
QB Carson Beck, Georgia (+750)
In his first season as the Bulldogs’ starter, Beck threw for 3,941 yards and completed a program-record 72.4 percent of his passes. Expect an even better season for the projected first-round pick, who has gifted playmakers Dominic Lovett, Miami transfer Colbie Young and Florida transfer Trevor Etienne at his disposal, and one of the country’s top offensive lines.
QB Quinn Ewers, Texas (10/1)
Texas is back, and Ewers is a major reason for that. The highly regarded draft prospect led the Longhorns to their first College Football Playoff berth last year and seems primed to be even better as a junior. He’ll get an early chance to catch the attention of voters when Texas visits defending national champion Michigan on Sept. 7.
QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon (7/1)
Last fall at Oklahoma, Gabriel set career bests in completion percentage (69.3), yards (3,660) and touchdowns (42). He can improve upon those silly-good numbers this year surrounded by considerably more talent. No wonder Gabriel is a preseason darling when it comes to Heisman Trophy odds, the consensus slight favorite over Beck.
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama (10/1)
Of returning players, he finished highest in the Heisman Trophy voting in December at sixth after producing 35 total touchdowns. Arguably the premier dual-threat quarterback in the country, Milroe already has proven his resilience with how he handled his early-season benching last year, and he will have plenty of opportunities in high-profile games, starting against Georgia on Sept. 28, to impress voters.
Contenders
QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (12/1)
Lane Kiffin has gradually built Ole Miss into a fringe title contender, and a major part of that is the development of Dart. If he can take the next step this fall from good to great, the Rebels can win the SEC, and Dart will have a shot at being a Heisman finalist. The pieces around him are there — leading receiver Tre Harris, South Carolina transfer Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr., playmaking tight end Caden Prieskorn and an experienced offensive line.
RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State (66/1)
The last running back to win the award was Alabama’s Derrick Henry way back in 2015. Can Gordon snap that drought? The nation’s leading rusher a year ago with 1,732 yards and 20 touchdowns, the junior could at least have a puncher’s chance. Gordon should pile up numbers in the soft Big 12 behind an offensive line that returned all five starters.
QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado (30/1)
Put Sanders on a title contender and he would be the favorite to win the Heisman. Deion Sanders’ son is a big-time talent some experts project as the No. 1 pick in next year’s NFL draft. He just might not have enough help. Remember, he was sacked a whopping 52 times last year, and still managed to throw for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns. Though Colorado completely remade its offensive line through the transfer portal and brought in five-star freshman Jordan Seaton, major questions remain.
Sleepers
WR Luther Burden III, Missouri (60/1)
As a sophomore, Burden caught 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, numbers he could improve upon in his third year with quarterback Brady Cook. The only knock on Burden is his size, at 5-foot-11, but he makes up for it with expert route running, terrific hands and blazing speed. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban called him “a complete player at the wide receiver position.” High praise.
QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas (30/1)
Staying healthy is the biggest question mark with the gifted Daniels after back injuries limited him to three games last year. The talent is undeniable. In 2022, he amassed 19 touchdowns and 1,868 total yards in just eight contests. With a full season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Daniels receive a New York City invite in December.
QB Cam Ward, Miami (14/1)
The Washington State transfer arrives at Miami with an impressive résumé — 95 career touchdown passes and 25 interceptions in three seasons. He’ll have the spotlight to match his ability now with the Hurricanes, who are desperate for a big year after going an abysmal 12-13 the past two seasons.
