Lemon City Live Heisman Watchlist Power Rankings – Final Edition

Miami, Florida – The end of the regular season brought the last wave of chaos solidifying the Lemon City Live Heisman Watchlist Power Rankings one final time. Championship weekend is now in the rearview mirror and the Heisman race is thus over. I believe the battle for the coveted trophy was down to three individuals before Week 14. The outcome of the Miami Hurricanes’ road game against Syracuse settled the question of who was winning the Heisman.

Four finalists will attend the event so I’ll begin with the so-called fourth-place finisher and work my way down (or up) ballot style. The award is given to the best player in college football no matter the position although lately, it’s largely quarterbacks claiming the prize. Determining who is the best is not always easy even with stats. Like filling out a college football playoff bracket, several factors include but are not limited to the eye test, strength of your opponents, and individual performances. Dillion Gabriel’s experience versus Wisconsin doomed his chances with a similar fate falling on Kurtis Rourke. Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, couldn’t outshine his peers and no SEC quarterback came close at the end. Without further ado here’s the countdown to the Heisman winner.

THE FOUR HEISMAN FINALISTS HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN ANNOUNCED 🔥🍿

▪️ Dillon Gabriel (Oregon)
▪️ Travis Hunter (Colorado)
▪️ Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
▪️ Cam Ward (Miami) pic.twitter.com/vOlhxRM0qD

— ESPN (@espn) December 9, 2024

Dillon Gabriel

Next stop: NYC 🎱

Dillon Gabriel is officially a Heisman Trophy finalist. #GoDucks @_dillongabriel_ x @HeismanTrophy pic.twitter.com/qWthnepmx7

— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) December 9, 2024

Final Ranking: 4

Ending the regular season with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions Dillon Gabriel is among the best at his position. However, if you asked me who was THE best quarterback, Gabriel would not be at the top of the list. The Oregon Ducks finished undefeated, however, the Badgers game was a pretty bad individual performance. Compare the worst game to who comes next on the list and you’ll see quite a difference.

Cam Ward

.@theACC offensive and overall player of the year is a Miami Hurricane 🙌#GoCanes | @cameron7ward pic.twitter.com/8cR7yHnJnH

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) December 5, 2024

Final Ranking: 3

He is the athlete I wanted to win, unfortunately, I don’t think Cam Ward will receive the Heisman trophy. Competing against an effective two-way player and a highly talented running back the task was a monumental one. His leadership was tested and a combination of factors conspired to keep him from being the favorite. Perhaps one extra game during Championship weekend could have given him a big boost but it was not to be. He earned himself to at least be a finalist tallying 4,123 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. Ward is hands down the best QB in the country. Who knows, maybe they will make up for the Maxwell Award snub. To the signal caller, I say this, thank you for everything you did and everything you gave for the Hurricanes.

Travis Hunter

TRAVIS HUNTER WENT OFF VS. OKLAHOMA STATE 😱🔥

10 REC
116 YDS
3 TD
1 INT

12 is different. pic.twitter.com/p3SUxhQLl0

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 29, 2024

Final Ranking: 2

A lot of folks think this accolade will go to Travis Hunter. A front-runner for many, Hunter will certainly get an invite, however, his campaign will come up short in a very tight race for the top spot. Travis finished the season strong leading the Big 12 in receptions (92) and touchdowns (14) coming in second in yardage (1,152 ). He also led the conference in pass breakups (11) and was tied for second in interceptions (4). There is no denying his tools. When you compare him to the rest of the country he isn’t the best but he’s up there. Even with those impressive numbers, he and everyone else went up against an individual who brought excellence every single game. Every game.

Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty sits at No. 5 in the all-time single season rushing leaders 🔥

How does the @BroncoSportsFB RB stack up with these greats? 🤔🐐 pic.twitter.com/BldCwboA69

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 5, 2024

Final Ranking: 1

This is who will likely claim the Heisman. Finishing the year with 2,288 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns Ashton Jeanty has surpassed the two previous running backs awarded the accolade Derrick Henry and Mark Ingram II. Not only did Jeanty hit the centennial mark in every game, the elite rusher racked up 200+ yards in five of those contests. Unlike the others, he had one more game to pad the resume via a title matchup versus UNLV. Some will say Hunter is the better option because he excels at two positions on opposite sides of the ball and there’s always the argument that Jeanty is working his magic in the Mountain West Conference. Consistent production is his greatest strength not to mention without him the Boise State Broncos wouldn’t be where they are now. He is one of the greatest rushers in college football.