Heisman Watch 2024: Nico Iamaleava, Cam Ward, Quinn Ewers Move Up List of Early Candidates

Heisman Watch 2024 is heating up as college football teams nationwide prepare for Week 3 matchups.

With the College football season heating up as we head into Week 3, the Heisman Trophy race is beginning to take shape. Players from the top teams in the country are stacking up game-breaking performances as they have their eyes set on a College Football Playoff birth.

So, who leads the 2024 Heisman watch heading into Week 3?

Heisman Watch 2024

One of the most anticipated non-conference matchups of the 2024 college football season has reshaped the early Heisman Trophy race. Quinn Ewers is now the betting favorite to claim the prestigious award after leading Texas to a dominant victory over Michigan at the Big House.

The Longhorns’ win, a clash between two of last year’s College Football Playoff teams, boosted Ewers’ résumé with stellar individual stats and high-profile team success—precisely the formula needed for a Heisman campaign.

Elsewhere, Cam Ward made a statement in his debut for the Miami Hurricanes, throwing for 385 yards and three touchdowns in a commanding 41-17 victory over Florida. His 319 passing yards were the most by any Miami quarterback in their first game, further elevating his Heisman stock.

With Clemson and Florida State showing early signs of struggle, Ward has put Miami in a position to contend for the ACC title, potentially boosting his chances in the Heisman race.

Tennessee’s freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava also saw his Heisman odds improve after the Volunteers’ 51-10 rout of a ranked NC State squad in the Duke’s Mayo Classic. Following a solid week one performance against Chattanooga, Iamaleava is now gaining serious attention. His odds to win the Heisman, which were at +1400 last week according to Draft Kings, have dropped further, signaling his rising profile in the race for college football’s highest individual honor.

Top 5 Heisman Trophy Winner Odds

5. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Jaxson Dart has been nearly unstoppable to start the 2024 season, completing an eye-popping 87% of his passes for 795 yards and six touchdowns. With this level of accuracy and explosiveness, Dart is quickly emerging as a serious Heisman contender.

4. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

Carson Beck has been highly efficient in leading Georgia’s offense, completing over 70% of his passes for 520 yards and seven touchdowns. His poised play and ability to find the end zone consistently make him a rising name in the Heisman race. It doesn’t appear the Dawgs are going anywhere in their race for a national title, so expect Beck to be in this race until the end.

3. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

Dillon Gabriel has been remarkably accurate through the start of the 2024 season, completing 84.3% of his passes for 623 yards and four touchdowns. His precision and command of Oregon’s offense have solidified him as a critical player to watch in the Heisman race. Oregon has had a few unlikely close calls early, but they can compete for a Big Ten title in 2024.

2. Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Cam Ward is showcasing his dual-threat ability early in 2024, completing 75.4% of his passes for 689 yards and six touchdowns while adding 46 rushing yards and a score on the ground. His versatility and playmaking have made him a dynamic Heisman candidate as he leads Miami’s offense. If he can lead Miami to an ACC title, he has a great shot at hearing his name called in December.

1. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Quinn Ewers has started the 2024 season strong, showcasing his efficiency with a 69.8% completion rate and six touchdowns to just one interception. His ability to lead Texas to convincing wins while maintaining impressive accuracy has him firmly in the Heisman conversation early on. Just how the Longhorns navigate their upcoming SEC schedule may determine if Ewers remains the frontrunner.