Lemon City Live 2024 Heisman Watch List Power Rankings Week 5

Miami, Florida – A WILD weekend of college football triggered seismic activity in this week’s Heisman Watch List Power Rankings. It wasn’t just the crazy finish between the Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies. Fans witnessed at least three other thrilling contests on Saturday. Unranked Kentucky pulled off a huge upset over No. 6 Ole Miss while the primetime battle between No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama did not disappoint. We also can’t forget the Minnesota versus No. 12 Michigan matchup.

The Heisman Watch List Power Rankings saw big changes from number two downward proudly welcoming a pair of new faces, one of them a running back. Both Jaxson Dart and Carson Beck tumbled out of the rankings due to big late-game mistakes and on the highly productive outings of the newcomers. Let’s not waste any more time and jump into the deep talent pool, the water’s fine.

Cam Ward

my favorite shot from week 5 pic.twitter.com/lqw5EvkzZX

— Pat Shea (@freepatshea) September 30, 2024

Previous Ranking: 1

As I previously mentioned the start of the ACC conference schedule acutely illustrates a big wake-up call for the Cardiac Canes. Cam Ward committed three turnovers but still finished the evening recording 343 yards and five touchdowns including one on the ground. Ward showed a lot of grit. Not once did I see him rattled at Friday’s game. Sometimes the team will be locked into battles decided by one possession instead of blowing out the opposition. The Hurricanes didn’t quit and neither did he. For his efforts, Ward was once again awarded ACC QB of the Week.

Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty made Washington State's defense look like a JV squad. I've never seen more forced missed tackles on a RB tape.

Just watch these 5 clips. #RB1 pic.twitter.com/kVZGdYLBeR

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 29, 2024

Previous Ranking: NR

Welcome to the list! Ashton Jeanty is a freaking machine. There was a lot of chatter about him during the preseason, however, I waited to see if the production continued. And oh boy, has it. Against Washington State, Jeanty ran wild. I don’t mean the way Bhayshul Tuten did. I mean he rushed unopposed. Ashton racked up 259 yards on 26 carries scoring four TDs. When you do the math that’s 10 yards a carry. My goodness. You can tell the Boise State Broncos’ offensive strategy is very straightforward: give the ball to Jeanty. Ashton sits on 845 yards and 13 TDs for 2024.

Jalen Milroe

Have a night, Jalen Milroe.🎯 pic.twitter.com/MgCIA3zD1A

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) September 29, 2024

Previous Ranking: NR

The SEC’s presence has diminished some with the departure of Carson Beck and Jaxson Dart. Jalen Milroe makes up for this. Barely missing the cut a week ago, he outdueled Beck and the Georgia Bulldogs not only throwing for 374 yards and two touchdowns but also rushing for 117 yards and adding two more scores on the ground. Although Milroe threw an interception this is about as complete an effort as you can find against the No. 2 ranked program in the country.

Shedeur Sanders

With respect to Quinn Ewers and Carson Beck, Shedeur Sanders is the best QB in the sport.

HELL of a catch by Will Sheppard as well

UNREAL pic.twitter.com/5QitMf5tTC

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) September 28, 2024

Previous Ranking: 2

The Colorado Buffaloes’ quarterback didn’t fall because of a bad game. Against the UCF Knights, he totaled 290 yards including three touchdowns and an interception. Unfortunately, the performances of the guys that finished ahead of him were phenomenal. In Ward’s case, this was him in a bad game. Imagine his stat line if you take back the holding penalty that caused the 14-point swing. They’re on a bye for week six so Sanders’ position in the power rankings should be safe. Colorado faces Kansas State on their return to action.

Garrett Nussmeier

#LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier vs. South Alabama

These were back-to-back throws. pic.twitter.com/Q2ZneyeKfR

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 30, 2024

Previous Ranking: 3

Through no fault of his own Garrett Nussmeier is hanging on by a thread with guys like Travis Hunter and Dillon Gabriel churning out strong showings. It doesn’t help that Nussmeier played South Alabama. Completing 26 of 39 passes for 409 yards and two TDs, Nussmeier threw in two rushing TDs. He was picked off twice, however. Nussmeier heads into the bye week hosting Ole Miss on the other side among a crowded field with ample raw talent and athleticism.