Heisman Odds: Travis Hunter has pulled off an impressive feat that few saw coming. The two-way sensation from Colorado has now climbed to the top of the Heisman Trophy odds, overtaking some of college football’s most prominent quarterbacks. According to ESPN, Hunter is now the favorite at +165, surpassing Miami’s Cam Ward and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, both of whom sit at +275.
Why Hunter’s Heisman Odds Have Skyrocketed
Hunter’s journey to Heisman consideration is a rare story. Not only is he excelling as a wide receiver, but he’s also dominating on defense, showing skill and stamina that have impressed fans and analysts alike. This season, Hunter has stacked up 60 receptions for 757 yards and eight touchdowns. His latest performance against Cincinnati was nothing short of outstanding, logging nine catches for 153 yards and two scores.
What makes Hunter’s case unique is that he isn’t just an offensive powerhouse. On defense, he has 21 tackles, nine passes broken up, and two interceptions, which showcases his ability to influence games on both sides of the ball. This dual-threat impact has clearly caught the eye of oddsmakers and fans alike.
The Heisman Contenders: Ward and Gabriel
Although Hunter’s odds have surged, he’s not without competition. Miami’s quarterback Cam Ward has led his team to a flawless 8-0 record, putting up 2,746 yards and 24 touchdowns, making him a powerful contender. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel is right behind, with an impressive 76.2% completion rate and 2,371 passing yards, proving himself crucial to the Ducks’ success.
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty: The Under-the-Radar Contender
Another player to watch is Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who has been breaking records on the ground. Jeanty has rushed for an eye-popping 1,525 yards and 20 touchdowns, numbers that place him at the top nationally. Despite Boise State’s single loss to Oregon, Jeanty has kept the Broncos on track for a strong season, adding some spice to this year’s Heisman race.
Hunter’s Path to Heisman Glory
For Hunter, there’s one potential hurdle: Colorado’s 6-2 record, which likely means they won’t make the College Football Playoff. However, his ability to play offense and defense so well may keep him in the spotlight regardless. Ward and Gabriel, on the other hand, are on teams with playoff potential, which could boost their cases if their teams stay undefeated.
Hunter’s rise to the top of the Heisman odds shows how exceptional his season has been. His success on both sides of the field could make him the first primarily two-way player in recent memory to win the Heisman, setting him apart from the traditionally quarterback-dominated field.
With only a few games left, the Heisman race is still anyone’s game, but right now, all eyes are on Travis Hunter.
