Heisman Watch: Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty makes one last statement
The Heisman Trophy race is seemingly down to two true contenders entering Saturday’s conference championship slate.
Colorado star Travis Hunter and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty have held on to the top two spots in recent weeks and both will almost certainly receive invitations to New York.
Those invitations will officially be sent Monday when the Heisman Trophy finalists are announced.
Here’s a look at the top four players in the Heisman odds entering Saturday morning:
Odds via BetMGM as of 1 a.m. ET on Saturday:
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (+1500)
Jeanty rushed for 209 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries as Boise State beat UNLV 21-7 to win the Mountain West championship on Friday night. Jeanty was named the game’s offensive MVP while on a stage at midfield surrounded by a sea of fans chanting his name.
Jeanty is 132 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders’ FBS single-season rushing record. He has rushed for over 200 yards in six of 13 games played (he played in just the first half of two of those games as a result of blowouts).
WR/DB Travis Hunter, Colorado (-5000)
Hunter is the heavy favorite but he isn’t playing this week as Colorado did not qualify for the Big 12 championship game. Hunter has not announced a decision on whether he will play in the Buffaloes’ bowl game (which will take place after the Heisman has been voted on and awarded).
QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon (+25000)
Gabriel is the other Heisman contender to watch this weekend as he leads Oregon into the Big Ten championship game against Penn State on Saturday.
Gabriel completed 16 of 23 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns in a 49-21 victory over Washington last week. He also rushed for 20 yards and a touchdown on three carries.
QB Cam Ward, Miami (+25000)
Like Hunter, Ward will not play this weekend. Miami missed an opportunity to reach the ACC championship game by losing to Syracuse last week and appear set to miss the College Football Playoff barring some surprises. Miami is still bowl-bound, but Ward’s status for that game is unknown.