Who Is the True Heisman Winner?
The Heisman Trophy serves as a significant milestone in a young NFL player's journey, marking the beginning of what could be a path to success, or not. Throughout its history, the award has been claimed by notable figures such as Reggie Bush, Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson, and, most recently, Jayden Daniels. These winners have gone on to make a substantial impact in the NFL, with Bush securing a Super Bowl XLIV victory with the New Orleans Saints and Newton leading a struggling franchise to its second Super Bowl appearance with a 15-1 regular season record and an NFL MVP award. Currently, Jayden Daniels is performing at an elite level, making a strong case for Rookie of the Year honors. However, the impact of winning the Heisman varies, while some winners thrive, others, like Jameis Winston and Carson Palmer, have yet to achieve lasting success. Additionally, there are always debates about who truly deserves the award. In 2024, Travis Hunter's win turned heads, especially given that Ashton Jeanty of Boise State, who rushed for 2,497 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns, was the runner-up.
Regardless of personal opinions, Travis Hunter is the Heisman Trophy winner, but there are valid arguments on both sides. Hunter, playing an average of 113 snaps per game, put together an exceptional season that is rarely seen since Deion Sanders. On offense, he accumulated 1,152 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, while on defense, he recorded nine interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. His all-around performance certainly made a strong case for the award. On the other hand, Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty had an outstanding season of his own, rushing for 2,497 yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, and a passing touchdown. His rushing success was comparable to Barry Sanders’ 1988 season, in which Sanders rushed for 2,628 yards and scored 37 total touchdowns. Both players had remarkable seasons, and each presented a compelling argument for the Heisman.
At the end of the day, the Heisman Trophy can often seem like a popularity contest, but the goal is to reward the best player. One key argument for why Travis Hunter was the correct choice is his ability to play two positions, both offense and defense, at a high level. In a 60-minute football game, for Hunter to average 113 snaps per game is an impressive feat, showcasing his endurance and versatility. Additionally, moving from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 and still performing at an elite level further strengthens his case. In just one season, Hunter helped his team reach the brink of a playoff spot, demonstrating the impact he had. While the Mountain West Conference is often viewed as weaker, it’s important to note that the College Football Playoff Committee chose Hunter, understanding the spotlight he will have on draft night. The committee made the right call, recognizing Hunter's exceptional ability to excel in both wide receiver and cornerback roles, ranking in the top 10 for both positions. This rare achievement highlights his remarkable talent and makes him a deserving Heisman winner.
