Heisman Watch: Expert Picks, Sleepers, And Potential Dark Horses For 2024

David

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Post on Sep 08, 2025

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Heisman Watch 2024: Expert Picks, Sleepers, and Dark Horses to Watch

The roar of the crowd, the thunder of the tackles, the electrifying plays – college football season is almost upon us, and with it, the anticipation of the Heisman Trophy race. This year's competition promises to be a thrilling one, filled with returning stars, breakout candidates, and potential dark horses ready to steal the spotlight. Who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted bronze statue? Let's dive into our expert predictions, sleepers to watch, and potential dark horses for the 2024 Heisman Trophy.

Early Favorites & Expert Picks:

Several players are already generating significant Heisman buzz based on their past performances and team expectations. Many experts point to these athletes as frontrunners:

• Caleb Williams (USC): The reigning Heisman winner, Williams is undoubtedly a favorite again. His dynamic playmaking ability and leadership make him a strong contender, though maintaining the same level of performance after a Heisman season is always a challenge. His success will hinge heavily on USC's overall team performance.

• Quinn Ewers (Texas): Ewers has the talent and the platform (playing for a powerhouse program like Texas) to make a serious Heisman run. His arm strength and accuracy, combined with a potentially explosive offense, could put him in contention. However, consistency will be key for him to stay in the race.

• Jayden Daniels (LSU): Daniels proved his dual-threat capabilities last season. With another year under his belt and a strong LSU team, he’s definitely a top contender to watch. His rushing ability adds an extra dimension that often appeals to Heisman voters.

Sleepers to Keep an Eye On:

Beyond the frontrunners, several players have the potential to break out and surprise everyone:

• Bo Nix (Oregon): Nix has consistently shown improvement throughout his career. With another season of experience and a potent Oregon offense, he possesses the tools to make a significant push for the Heisman. His leadership and efficiency will be crucial to his success.

• Sam Hartman (Notre Dame): Transferring to Notre Dame brings high expectations, and Hartman has the pedigree to deliver. His experience and arm talent could propel him into Heisman contention if the Irish offense performs as expected. His ability to lead a successful Notre Dame team will be key.

• Jordan Travis (Florida State): Travis showed flashes of brilliance in 2023. With another strong season leading a potent Florida State offense, he could easily catapult himself into the Heisman conversation. Consistency and minimizing turnovers will be essential to his campaign.

Potential Dark Horses:

Sometimes, unexpected players emerge to challenge the favorites. These are the dark horses to watch for in 2024:

• A breakout running back from an unexpected team: College football is full of surprises. A dominant running back from a less-heralded team could make a strong case with impressive rushing yards and touchdowns. Keep an eye on smaller conferences for potential breakout stars.

• An emerging quarterback from a top-ranked team: A strong quarterback on a consistently winning team can benefit immensely from team success. The spotlight often shines brighter on players from top programs.

Conclusion:

Predicting the Heisman Trophy winner is always a challenging task. While the early favorites possess undeniable talent and experience, this year’s race could easily see a sleeper or dark horse emerge as a contender. As the season unfolds, we'll closely monitor these players and others who might burst onto the scene. The 2024 Heisman Trophy race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Stay tuned for updates throughout the season! What are your predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.