2024 Path to the Heisman: Quarterback Contenders to Watch

By Dorrington Myers

As we get closer to the college football season, the buzz around potential Heisman Trophy contenders reaches a fever pitch. This year, all eyes are on the quarterbacks, the field generals who orchestrate their teams with precision, charisma, and sheer talent. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these quarterbacks are not just competing for victories but also for a chance to etch their names into college football history. Join us as we dive into the thrilling race for the Heisman Trophy, spotlighting the quarterbacks whose stellar performances and leadership skills are making waves across the nation. Who will emerge as the ultimate gridiron hero? Last season, Kyle Golik broke down the Heisman Trophy finalists, and made a case for why they should individually win it. Here are your 2024 quarterback candidates.

Heisman Trophy Odds ( FanDuel Sportsbook )

Quinn Ewers (Texas)/(+750)

2023 stats:

• 69.0%, 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 5 rushing touchdowns

Ewers is a gamer. He’s a guy who can catch rhythm and stay hot. His ball placement skills and touch are second to none. He’s also come a long way from playing through injury and having stints of inconsistency, so he’s battle-tested. I'm expecting some great things from him this season.

Carson Beck (Georgia)/(+750)

2023 stats:

• 72.4% , 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 4 rushing touchdowns

A fierce competitor on one of the nation’s stingiest defenses in the game, Beck is accurate, stands tall in the pocket, and uses the field as his playground. The Bulldog faithful should be excited.

Dillon Gabriel (Oregon)/(+1000)

2023 stats:

69.3% , 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 12 rushing touchdowns

Walking TNT, Gabriel is a weapon every coach should have. He plays with so much confidence and passion, it’s contagious. He’s very decisive in the passing game and has the ability to make some unbelievable throws. Oregon is getting a playmaker.

Will Howard (Ohio State)/(+1000)

2023 stats:

• 61.3% , 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 9 rushing touchdowns

I see small flashes of Josh Allen in his game. Howard has a prototype build, a very strong arm, and is accurate off-platform. He’s also tough to tackle in one-on-one situations. This could be what the Buckeyes need to take their offense to the next level.

Jalen Milroe (Alabama)/(+1200)

2023 stats:

65.8% , 2,834 yards, 23 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 12 rushing touchdowns

Milroe finished sixth in the 2023 Heisman voting, giving himself an advantage in the competition. He understands the assignment and the requirements needed to win the 2024 Heisman. Milroe has improved his passing game this offseason, so it’ll be exciting to see him take the field. We already know what he can do on the ground—absolutely electric.

Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee)/(+1500)

2023 stats:

• 62.2% , 314 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 3 rushing touchdowns

Here’s my dark horse - a guy who’s ready to take over college football. Nico has the frame, the skills, and the will to succeed. He’s electric on the ground and possesses good arm talent. Coming into this season as a full-time starter gives him the chance to show the world what he’s capable of.

Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)/(+1800)

2023 stats:

• 65.1% , 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 8 rushing touchdowns

"Toughness" is the word that comes to mind when I see Dart play. He will stand in the pocket and deliver the ball with or without pressure. Dart isn’t afraid to use his legs, either. He’s definitely in the right conference for his style of play.

Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)/(+1800)

2023 stats:

• 61.5% , 591 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interceptions, 1 rushing touchdown

Is this the year that LSU returns with a top offense? Last year’s Heisman winner, Jayden Daniels, led the charge and is now with the Washington Commanders. Nussmeier steps in as the full-time starter with extensive talent. He may have one of the strongest arms in the country.

Historical References and Analysis

Joe Burrow (LSU, 2019)

• 76.3% , 5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 5 rushing touchdowns

Bryce Young (Alabama, 2021)

• 64.5 % , 3,328 yards, 32 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 4 rushing touchdowns

Caleb Williams (USC, 2022)

• 68.6% , 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 11 rushing touchdowns

Jayden Daniels (LSU, 2023)

• 72.2 % , 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 10 rushing touchdowns, 1,134 yards on 135 carries

Key Insights

Efficiency and Precision

Winners often exhibit high completion percentages, showcasing their ability to make accurate throws consistently.

Productive Passing

High passing yardage is a common trait, emphasizing their role in their teams' offensive strategies.

Balanced Attack

A strong touchdown-to-interception ratio and the ability to contribute to the rushing game highlight their dual-threat capability.

High Total Touchdowns

Accumulating a large number of total touchdowns is a significant factor, combining both passing and rushing scores.

Team Success

Individual performance is often complemented by the team's success, enhancing the player's visibility and candidacy.

These patterns provide a framework for identifying potential Heisman candidates based on their statistical performance and overall contribution to their team's success.

As the college football season unfolds, the race for the Heisman Trophy intensifies, with each game serving as a proving ground for these exceptional quarterbacks. Their performances not only captivate fans but also define their legacies and shape the future of the sport. Whether it's a dazzling display of athleticism, a clutch play in the final seconds, or unwavering leadership under pressure, these Heisman hopefuls are showcasing the qualities that make them extraordinary.

In the end, only one quarterback will hoist the coveted Heisman Trophy, but the journey itself—filled with moments of brilliance, resilience, and sheer determination—is what truly makes this race unforgettable. As we watch these gridiron warriors leave it all on the field, we are reminded of the magic of college football and the timeless quest for greatness that fuels it. The Heisman dreams of these quarterbacks inspire us all, and as the season progresses, we eagerly await the crowning of a new champion who will forever be remembered in the annals of football history.