Latest 2024 Heisman Trophy Candidates and Odds: Jalen Milroe, Nico Iamaleava, and Dillon Gabriel trail Carson Beck

The race for the 2024 Heisman Trophy has already begun. Even with college football's regular season a few months away, the early campaign hype helps shape the narrative needed for top stars to land the prestigious award. The favorites might be at a disadvantage because expectations are so high.

2024 Heisman Trophy Odds

The current Heisman Heisman Trophy odds will vary by sportsbook, but we're using FanDuel Sportsbook for this most recent look at the top Heisman candidates. Here's each candidate with 40-to-1 odds or better:

• Carson Beck, QB, Georgia: +750
• Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas: +900
• Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon: +1000
• Will Howard, QB, Ohio State: +1300
• Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee: +1500
• Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama: +1500
• Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss: +1500
• Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU: +1800
• Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame: +2000
• Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL): +2200
• Avery Johnson, QB, Kansas State: +900
• Jackson Arnold, QB, Oklahoma: +2500
• Conner Weigman, QB, Texas A&M: +2500
• Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas: +3000
• Noah Fifita, QB, Arizona: +3300
• D.J. Uiagalelei, QB, Florida State: +3500
• Brady Cook, QB, Missouri: +3500
• Drew Allar, QB, Penn State: +4000
• Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado: +4000
• Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson: +4000
• Miller Moss, QB, USC: +4000

Our Heisman Trophy Favorites in 2024

The key to picking any Heisman Trophy longshot is to rightfully understand the scope of the award. 2023 recipient Jayden Daniels was the rare winner who didn't see his team reach the College Football Playoff, or even win his conference. The expansion of college football's conference landscape and playoff set up further opens the door for underdogs to emerge.

At some point this fall, there will be a true wildcard to breakthrough. But if it's not a quarterback, they're unlikely to win. And we know early-season stars generally struggle to maintain their momentum if their team isn't ready for conference play.

Knowing this, here are our three favorite picks outside of the top favorites:

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Could we really see back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners from LSU? The Tigers are replacing 45% of their 2023 offense, which ranks 84th in the nation. It's surprising it's not higher, given that first-round picks Jayden Daniels, Brian Thomas Jr., and Malik Nabers headlined the departed talent.

The Tigers will break in Garrett Nussmeier into an offense that will reload instead of rebuild. Nussmeier has looked awfully impressive in limited time on the field, boasting a strong arm, good mobility, and accuracy while under pressure and on the move.

It's hard to put too much down on someone with hype but not a big track record like Nussmeier, but he ranks well in our 2025 top QB prospects because of his raw talent. In addition to the former 5-star meeting his lofty expectations, LSU will need to outperform preseason projects for Nussmeier to have a chance.

Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

There might not be a more physically gifted quarterback in the nation than Cameron Ward. Others might be bigger, faster, or have a stronger arm, but Ward has outstanding traits and knows how to use them. He's a terrifying presence at QB, and moving to Miami will put him more in the spotlight.

The former Incarnate Ward and Washington State star made the right move to return to school in 2024. Miami will theoretically ask less of him than Washington State did thanks to a more balanced offense that isn't solely relying on Air Raid principles with a mediocre blocking unit. I would've preferred to see Ward end up at Ohio State, but the Buckeyes never seemed to show much interest.

Nevertheless, Miami boasts a good set of playmakers and a big platform for Ward to dazzle. A boost to his 2023 marks of a 66.6% completion rate, 3,736 passing yards, and 32 total touchdowns could get him to New York.

Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas

How funny would it be if a J. Daniels won the Heisman two years in a row? It's easy to forget just how good Jalon Daniels is since he missed all but three games in 2023 due to a bizarre back injury. But if he's healthy, Daniels is an electric leader.

A highly intelligent and accurate passer, Daniels will lead an upstart Kansas roster that made a big leap even without their star. With running back Devin Neal back, Daniels has what he needs to become statistically relevant in the Heisman race.

That said, it's going to need to be a huge jump in volume, and Daniels has yet to play more than nine games in a season. His 2022 season included 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns through the air, plus 425 yards and seven scores on the ground. Still, he's hard not to love given his play style and poise.

When Is The Heisman Trophy Ceremony?

The ceremony for the Heisman Trophy in 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 8 PM Eastern Time. It will take place at Lincoln Center in New York City and will be aired live on ESPN. Chris Fowler will host the event, marking his 30th consecutive year as the host.