Five non-QBs who could win 2024 Heisman Trophy

The Heisman Trophy has predominantly become a quarterback-friendly award with 12 of the last 14 winners being passers. 

In fact, only four non-QBs have won the award since 2000 — running back Reggie Bush (2005), RB Mark Ingram (2009), RB Derrick Henry (2015) and receiver DeVonta Smith (2020).

While a signal-caller is likely to win the award in 2024, if a non-QB does win next season, here are the five players with the best shot of doing so.

Luther Burden, WR, Missouri 

2023 stats: 86 receptions, 1,212 yards, nine touchdowns

With Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze all in the NFL, Burden is arguably the top receiver in college football. He has Deebo Samuel-like versatility in that he can play both outside and in the slot, and he’s just as good catching the ball over the middle as he is going deep. Burden has the explosiveness to take any catch to the house, and in turn, he should also be a high first-round pick next year.

Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia 

2023 stats: 131 carries, 753 yards, eight TDs

Etienne averaged 5.9 yards per carry over his two-year career at Florida with 14 touchdowns, but for whatever reason, he never quite emerged as the featured back he was believed to be as a four-star recruit out of high school. But getting a fresh start in Athens as the potential lead back on a national championship-caliber team could be just what Etienne needs to find his motivation. With Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton both in the NFL, the opportunity is there for Etienne to have a star-making season with the Bulldogs in 2024.

Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State 

2023 stats: 285 carries, 1,732 yards, 21 TDs, 39 receptions, 330 yards, one TD

Gordon led the nation in rushing yards as a sophomore last season and ranked second in touchdowns. This year, he could be even better because he won’t be relegated to a backup role for the first three games like he was in 2023. Gordon has dual-threat ability as a receiver out of the backfield, and his 6.1 yards per carry helped move the chains quite frequently. It’s not unreasonable for Gordon to have a 2,000-yard season next year and put up a Henry- or Ingram-like Heisman campaign.

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado 

2023 stats: five passes defensed, three interceptions, 57 receptions, 721 yards, five TDs

Considered by many as the top player in the NCAA, Hunter could be in the running for the top overall pick next season. Elite, two-way players are rare, and Hunter could be a first-rounder at both cornerback and receiver. His versatility sets him apart from everyone else in the country, and his game-breaking ability reminds some of his head coach, Deion Sanders.

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State 

2023 stats: 271 carries, 1,158 yards, 15 TDs, 22 receptions, 149 yards, two TDs

After two years at Ole Miss, Judkins took a gamble and transferred to Ohio State, where he’ll split time with TreVeyon Henderson. But with a 1,500-yard season two years ago, plus an 1,100-yard season last year and a combined 31 rushing touchdowns over the last two years, Judkins is talented enough to take RB1 carries away from Henderson. If Judkins is the Buckeyes’ featured RB, he should be in Heisman contention all season.