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Heisman watch: Colorado’s star tops contenders ahead of Week 14

The Heisman Trophy race is likely down to four entering the final week of the regular season.

The winner will be announced and awarded the trophy during a ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14 in New York. Voting opens Dec. 2 and ends on Dec. 9.

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.

The other contenders include Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

Here’s a look at the top four players in the Heisman odds and how things look for each of them in Week 14 of the season:

Odds via BetMGM as of Friday, Nov. 29:

1. WR/DB Travis Hunter, Colorado (-1000)

Hunter’s season ended after Colorado beat Oklahoma State, 52-0, on Friday.

Hunter was voted as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award for his performance as a receiver for Colorado in 2024. He finished the regular season with 82 receptions for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

He scored a rushing touchdown on one of his only two carries out of the backfield. As a defensive back, he recorded 30 tackles, nine pass deflections, a forced fumble and three interceptions.

2. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (+750)

Jeanty also finished his regular season with Boise State’s victory 34-18 victory on Friday.

He had 275 carries for 2,062 yards and 27 touchdowns in 12 games played. He also recorded a receiving touchdown earlier this season and fumbled the ball just twice all season. He is a finalist for three other awards including the Doak Walker award (best running back).

When it comes to the Heisman, Jeanty was not initially listed when the opening odds were released.

3. QB Cam Ward, Miami (+1200)

Ward has remained third among the odds leaders since last week. Ward will have one regular season audition on Saturday morning when Miami travels to play the Syracuse Orange. 

Ward completed 268 of his 399 pass attempts through his first 11 games for 3,774 yards, 34 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

4. QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon (+6600)

Gabriel leads the No. 1 team in the country into its final game of the regular season at home against rival Washington.

Despite what happens Saturday, Oregon has already clinched an opportunity to play for the Big Ten championship. Unless the game is close, there might be a chance for Gabriel to have a short night, denying him an opportunity to chase the individual award with a strong showing.

Gabriel completed 259 of his 351 passes for 3,066 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions in 11 games played this season. He also rushed for six touchdowns.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY