It’s December, which in the timeline of the college football industrial complex, means it’s time for the Heisman Trophy presentation. Four finalists — Travis Hunter (Colorado), Ashton Jeanty (Boise State), Dillon Gabriel (Oregon), and Cam Ward (Miami) — are vying for the coveted award, to be handed out live from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room in New York City this Saturday, December 14, at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN.
While all four players boast impressive stats and highlight reels long enough to make ESPN’s programming executives salivate, Hunter’s candidacy has a certain two-way flair. Unlike his fellow nominees, Hunter is a genuine threat on both sides of the ball, starring as both a cornerback and wide receiver for Colorado. It’s a rare achievement at the college level, adding an intriguing layer to this year’s competition. Of course, the Heisman has always had a soft spot for quarterbacks, with Gabriel and Ward aiming to continue that tradition, while Jeanty hopes to make some Boise State Bronco history as a running back.
Whether any of these contenders can achieve the level of Heisman hype generated by past winners like Caleb Williams or the veritable hysteria of Tim Tebow is a question for another day. For now, the focus is on this quartet, their accomplishments, and the inevitable deluge of awkward on-stage banter with Chris Fowler. Let’s be honest, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tune in to ESPN this Saturday at 8:00 PM ET to witness college football history as the 90th annual Heisman Trophy is awarded.
