Heisman watch: Colorado’s two-way force tops contenders ahead of Week 13

The 2024 Heisman Trophy race remains close leading into Week 13 of the college football season.

With quarterbacks leading throughout the early weeks, there’s been a shift recently with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado’s two-way standout Travis Hunter leading the way.

But the overall field still includes several quarterbacks who could make a case to earn a trip to New York for the award ceremony and claim the top prize as their own.

Here’s a look at the top five players in the Heisman odds and how things look for each of them entering Week 13 of the season:

Odds to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy

Odds via BetMGM as of Friday, Nov. 22:

1. WR/DB Travis Hunter, Colorado (-400)

Hunter has become the odds-on favorite as the Buffaloes travel to play Kansas this week. His ability to play on both offense and defense has bolstered his stock and kept him in the race as a Top 3 contender since September. Hunter has tallied 74 receptions for 911 yards and nine touchdowns this season. On defense, he has 23 total tackles (two for a loss), three interceptions and a forced fumble.

2. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (+400)

Jeanty has made his case as a premier running back this season, leading the Broncos to to the top of the Mountain West conference – and possibly a spot in the College Football Playoff. He’s currently a semifinalist for the Maxwell, Doak Walker and Walter Camp awards this season. Jeanty has compiled 1,893 yards and 26 touchdowns on 256 carries. He also has 17 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. Jeanty and the Broncos travel to play Wyoming this week.

3. QB Cam Ward, Miami (+1500)

Ward remains in the conversation as a top-three contender after leading Miami to a 9-1 record through its first 10 games. Ward and the Hurricanes are coming off a bye week that followed a loss to Georgia Tech on Nov. 9, which may have played into his stock slightly dropping. The senior has completed 241 of 361 passes for 3,494 yards, 32 touchdowns and six interceptions. Miami hosts Wake Forest for its Senior Day Game on Saturday.

4. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama (+3000)

The Alabama quarterback once led the race after a four-touchdown performance in the 41-34 victory over Georgia in late September. His stock slipped, but he is likely to be invited to New York with a pair of strong performances against Oklahoma this week and Auburn next week to finish out the regular season. The redshirt junior has completed 160 of 237 passes for 2,232 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s contributed to the Crimson Tide’s rushing attack with 608 yards and 17 touchdowns on 120 carries.

5. QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana (+4000)

Rourke has slowly worked his way into the top five after leading Indiana to a surprising 10-0 start with Curt Cignetti at the helm. Rourke and the Hoosiers have a big matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday. A strong performance against a big brand team like Ohio State could do wonders for his stock. The redshirt senior has completed 171 of 238 passes for 2,410 yards for 21 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 17 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.