Dark Horse Contenders For The Heisman Trophy
Dark Horse Heisman Trophy Contenders
It's never too early to start thinking about potential dark-horse contenders for the 2024 Heisman Trophy. The award has become heavily focused on quarterbacks, with only three of the last sixteen winners being non-quarterbacks. It's also typically given to the best player on a team contending for the National Championship. Given these trends, let's take a look at some potential contenders.
Jalon Daniels, QB (Kansas) +3000
Jalon Daniels' 2023 season was cut short due to injuries. He had just come off a breakout 2022 season, earning the 2023 Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors. If he can recover from his injury, Daniels will have the opportunity to compete for the Heisman.
Noah Fifita, QB, (Arizona) +3300
Noah Fifita started in the Wildcats' last nine games, posting a 7-2 record. He threw for 2,800 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. He also has his top target Tetairoa McMillan returning, who has the second most receiving yards in the nation. Fifita could make history by becoming the first Arizona Wildcat to win the Heisman Trophy.
Miller Moss, QB (USC) +4000
The next in line to former Heisman winner Caleb Williams seems to be flying under the radar in the Heisman discussion. In Moss's first start against Louisville in the Holiday Bowl, he threw for 372 yards and six touchdowns, earning him the Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP. We've seen Lincoln Riley's past accomplishments with his quarterbacks - producing three Heisman winners in Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams. Miller Moss could be the next player to join this elite group.
Cam Rising, QB (Utah) +5000
After missing the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury, Rising is ready to make his return for his sixth season. Rising has previously led Utah to consecutive Pac-12 Championships in 2021 and 2022, during which he threw for 5,527 yards and 46 touchdowns, and ran for 964 yards and 12 touchdowns. If Rising can make a healthy comeback and continue his impressive performance, he could be in the running for the Big 12 Championship and the Heisman Trophy.
Grayson McCall, QB (NC State) +10000
After winning three straight Sun Belt Player of the Year Awards, Grayson McCall is heading to the Power 5 after years of flirting with the transfer portal. McCall is joining an NC State team that won nine games and five of its last six games. If Grayson McCall can help the Wolfpack win its first ACC title since 1979, he could be in a prime position to at least be a Heisman finalist.
Ollie Gordon II, RB (Oregon State) +12000
The Doak Walker Award winner is set to return for his Junior season along with the nation's top offensive line that helped pave the way for Gordon II to rush for a nation high (1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns). Gordon II finished seventh in Heisman voting last season and started slow only rushing for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first three weeks and then exploded onto the scene in week four rushing for 1,623 yards and 19 touchdowns. Expect Ollie Gordon II to have carries earlier and more often in the season which will only make his production skyrocket. Gordon II having +12000 odds is a fantastic value pick.
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