Early 2024 Heisman Trophy Predictions and Sleepers (2024)

The race for the 2024 Heisman Trophy is set to feature a fresh cast of candidates around college football.

Jayden Daniels brought home the honor in 2023 but is now preparing for an NFL season. Among the top-10 finishers in last season's voting, only Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (sixth) and Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II (seventh) are coming back.

But we already have a decent idea of the front-runners in 2024.

Plus, as conference realignment shakes up the sport, the Big Ten and SEC have added a few major Heisman contenders.

Carson Beck, Georgia (+800)

During his first year as a starter, Carson Beck threw for 3,941 yards at 9.5 per attempt with 24 touchdowns to six interceptions. He helped the Dawgs post a perfect regular-season mark before a loss in the SEC Championship Game. The difficulty of the schedule rises sharply in 2024, so Beck presumably will deserve plenty of attention if UGA thrives again.

Quinn Ewers, Texas (+900)

Texas has an early test at Michigan and takes on Oklahoma and Georgia in consecutive mid-October weeks. In other words, we should know reasonably quickly where to put Quinn Ewers in the Heisman race. He put up 3,479 yards and 22 scores to six interceptions while leading Texas to a Big 12 title last season. Now, he'll be guiding the Longhorns into their debut as a member of the SEC.

Dillon Gabriel, Oregon (+1000)

Already one of the most productive QBs in college football history, Dillon Gabriel has a great opportunity to close his career on a high note. The former UCF and Oklahoma starter has transferred to Oregon, which is leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten. Gabriel enters a high-quality situation with an offense that returns Tez Johnson and added standout Texas A&M transfer Evan Stewart.

Will Howard, QB, Ohio State (+1500)

Team success historically has influenced Heisman voters, so Will Howard likely won't have a problem in that department. The challenge is that Ohio State's strengths might not assist his candidacy. It's entirely plausible the Buckeyes lean on a veteran defense and the backfield duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson more than Howard. Will his production be that of a true contender?

Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee (+1800)

Last season, Jayden Daniels joined a small list of Heisman winners who played on teams with three-plus losses. It can happen, clearly; it just doesn't happen often. That trend is worrisome for Nico Iamaleava, whose Tennessee squad is set to meet North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia in 2024. His margin for error is thin.

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (+2000)

Same story for Garrett Nussmeier. Yes, we watched Daniels' dynamism sway voters to look beyond LSU's three losses. Saying that Nussmeier isn't an electric dual-threat QB is not an earth-shattering statement, though. He'll need incredible passing stats to stick in the Heisman race, and a retooled receiving corps—though intriguing—probably doesn't have the upside Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. provided.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (+6000)

Let's be clear: I'm using the term sleeper with regard to a player's odds. Unless you're a new fan—in which case, welcome—you probably know about Travis Hunter. In nine games last year, he tallied 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns, made 30 tackles, snagged three interceptions and broke up five passes. Colorado's record may hinder his resume, but his two-way talent is undeniable.

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (+8000)

Wide receivers are rarely Heisman finalists, but Marvin Harrison Jr. earned an outlier invite in 2023. Perhaps the 2024 campaign will include another with Luther Burden III, who posted 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Missouri has a very favorable schedule this season, so Burden might be the headliner of a sneaky CFP threat.

Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan (+10000)

I will immediately note my own hesitation about Michigan due to its unsettled QB situation. On the other hand, the Wolverines are content to run the ball over and over and over and over again—shoutout Marshawn Lynch. Just ask Penn State. Blake Corum's departure has cleared the path for Donovan Edwards to handle a heavy majority of carries and be the featured piece in U-M's overhauled offense.

Many factors can influence a Heisman prediction. For me, that starts with considering a player's individual skill, the teammates around him, an offensive system, perception of the schedule and so on.

And that, here in the summer, leads to Dillon Gabriel.

The schedule is an intriguing mix of quality opponents but few powerhouses. Ohio State is on the slate, but Oregon hosts the showdown. Trips to Oregon State, UCLA, Michigan and Wisconsin are notable, yet only Michigan is viewed as a strong CFP contender.

While the offensive line is loaded with experience, the receiving corps has terrific upside. Oregon will utilize its talented backfield plenty often, but the offense's tempo will hardly limit Gabriel's production.

Gabriel has a chance to join Marcus Mariota (2014) as the only Heisman Trophy winners in program history.

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