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Rick Neuheisel Makes His Heisman Trophy Prediction Crystal Clear

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Dec 6, 2024 10:14 PM ET

This year, the Heisman Trophy race has been particularly intriguing. Over the last 15-20 seasons, the award has increasingly become a quarterback-driven honor, with nearly 40 quarterbacks winning it — more than 50% of all winners in the history of the trophy.

However, this season, things have shifted slightly. The two leading candidates have largely been Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.

While quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Cam Ward have also made strong cases, it’s been the two non-quarterbacks who have stolen the spotlight.

Earlier this week, former UCLA head coach and current CBS Sports analyst Rick Neuheisel made it clear who he believes should win the Heisman Trophy. His pick? Travis Hunter.

Neuheisel's co-host, Aaron Taylor, confidently stated, "This is simple, it's Travis Hunter. I've been trying to tell y'all that since Week 4 or 5. We've never seen anything like this in the modern era."

While Neuheisel didn’t need much convincing, he quickly agreed with Taylor, jokingly adding, "I have to agree with my learned leprechaun."

Check it out:

Who will win the Heisman Trophy?@AaronTaylorCFB + @CoachNeuheisel are going with @CUBuffsFootball's Travis Hunter@randycrossFB is rolling with @BroncoSportsFB's Ashton Jeanty pic.twitter.com/aiZ5AdxpTI
— CBS Sports College Football (@CBSSportsCFB) December 4, 2024

Neuheisel did acknowledge that Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel might have been a more prominent contender if the Heisman Award considered the entire season, rather than just the regular season.

However, it seems Travis Hunter is quickly emerging as the leading candidate, especially following his epic performance in Week 14. His historic season with the Buffaloes not only positions him as a Heisman finalist but also as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Hunter's season has been nothing short of remarkable. He not only set the single-season receiving touchdown record at Colorado but also earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors and was named an Honorable Mention for Offensive Player of the Year.

A true two-way star, Hunter posted impressive numbers across the board: 92 receptions, 1,152 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns, seven 100-yard games, four interceptions, and only one touchdown allowed.

He was truly one of the best a both positions, and wherever he lands at the next level, a remarkable athlete and football player will be joining their roster. But before that, the Heisman Trophy could very well be the next addition to his growing collection of accolades.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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