Player of the Year
The Heisman’s Decision for the Best College Football Player
In college football there is only one award every player wants—the coveted Heisman trophy. The Heisman trophy is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football, the player who is able to take his team to the next level.
A quarterback is usually selected to be the winner of this award. In the past ten years, only two players who have won the Heisman were not quarterbacks. This year is on track to be different, with the two favorites being running back Ashton Jeanty of Boise State and a two-way player in Travis Hunter from Colorado who plays both wide receiver and cornerback. There has only been one player to ever win the Heisman as a two-way player, which was Charles Woodson in 1997. Although both of these skill position players are the frontrunners, quarterbacks Cam Ward and Dillon Gabriel are still in the running to win this prestigious award.
Even though Hunter, Ward and Gabriel have put up impressive statistics, running back Ashton Jeanty should win the Heisman. He is having one of the best seasons as a running back of all time. As of now Jeanty has the fourth most rushing yards ever in a single season, but is only 131 yards away from the single season record. Along with that, the current holder of this record Barry Sanders won the Heisman in his record breaking season.
Jeanty is also a game changing player to have on his team. When Boise State played Nevada on Nov. 9, Jeanty ran for three touchdowns and 209 yards. Without Jeanty, Boise State likely would have lost this game because quarterback Maddux Madsen struggled for them only throwing for 118 yards. Travis Hunter never had game changing performances like this to help his team win big games. Along with this stellar game, Jeanty led his team to a 12-1 regular season record with their only loss to number one ranked Oregon and led his team to a Mountain West conference championship. Jeanty and Boise State’s dominance have secured them the three seed in the 12 team college football playoff this season.
Statistics are also a big factor in determining the player who wins the Heisman. Jeanty is impressive when it comes to his numbers. He averages 7.3 yards per carry, the last running back who won the Heisman trophy was Derrick Henry in 2015 who only averaged 5.6 yards per carry.
Even though Jeanty has been extremely dominant, many think the competition he plays is easier, and that Travis Hunter should win the Heisman. Jeanty’s detractors say Hunter plays harder competition and that his ability to be outstanding on both sides should win him the award. Hunter is also a finalist for the most awards in college football with a total of seven, one including the Biletnikoff award which is awarded to the top receiver in college football. Though Hunter is amazing and the projected number one pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Jeanty’s historical season should win him the award.
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