2024 Heisman Watch: Iamaleava, Ward, Ewers Climb Among Top Contenders

The 2024 Heisman Watch is heating up as college football heads into Week 3, with standout performances continuing to shape the race.

As the 2024 college football season heats up, the Heisman Trophy race starts taking shape, with standout players from top teams making their mark. With eyes set on individual glory and a College Football Playoff berth, these athletes deliver game-breaking performances that are hard to ignore.

So, who leads the 2024 Heisman watch heading into Week 3?

Heisman Watch 2024

One of the most anticipated non-conference matchups of the 2024 college football season has shaken up the early Heisman Trophy race. Quinn Ewers has emerged as the new betting favorite after leading Texas to a dominant win over Michigan at the Big House. In a battle between two of last year’s College Football Playoff teams, Ewers delivered stellar individual numbers, solidifying his résumé as the Longhorns cruised to victory—precisely the formula needed to mount a Heisman campaign.

Meanwhile, Cam Ward made a strong debut for the Miami Hurricanes, throwing for 385 yards and three touchdowns in a commanding 41-17 win over Florida. His 319 passing yards were the most by any Miami quarterback in a debut, putting both the Hurricanes and Ward firmly in the ACC title conversation, especially as Clemson and Florida State struggle early. Ward’s performance has elevated his Heisman odds considerably.

Tennessee’s freshman phenom Nico Iamaleava also saw his Heisman odds rise after the Volunteers’ 51-10 blowout victory over a ranked NC State team in the Duke’s Mayo Classic. Iamaleava followed up a solid Week 1 outing against Chattanooga with another impressive performance, catching voters’ attention. His odds, which sat at +1400 last week according to Draft Kings, have dropped even further, indicating his growing presence in the race for college football’s most prestigious individual award.

Top 5 Heisman Trophy Winner Odds

5. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Jaxson Dart has been nearly unstoppable to start the 2024 season, completing an eye-popping 87% of his passes for 795 yards and six touchdowns. With this level of accuracy and explosiveness, Dart is quickly emerging as a serious Heisman contender.

4. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

Carson Beck has been highly efficient in leading Georgia’s offense, completing over 70% of his passes for 520 yards and seven touchdowns. His poised play and ability to find the end zone consistently make him a rising name in the Heisman race. It doesn’t appear the Dawgs are going anywhere in their race for a national title, so expect Beck to be in this race until the end.

3. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

Dillon Gabriel has been remarkably accurate through the start of the 2024 season, completing 84.3% of his passes for 623 yards and four touchdowns. His precision and command of Oregon’s offense have solidified him as a critical player to watch in the Heisman race. Oregon has had a few unlikely close calls early, but they can compete for a Big Ten title in 2024.

2. Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Cam Ward is showcasing his dual-threat ability early in 2024, completing 75.4% of his passes for 689 yards and six touchdowns while adding 46 rushing yards and a score on the ground. His versatility and playmaking have made him a dynamic Heisman candidate as he leads Miami’s offense. If he can lead Miami to an ACC title, he has a great shot at hearing his name called in December.

1. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Quinn Ewers has started the 2024 season strong, showcasing his efficiency with a 69.8% completion rate and six touchdowns to just one interception. His ability to lead Texas to convincing wins while maintaining impressive accuracy has him firmly in the Heisman conversation early on. Just how the Longhorns navigate their upcoming SEC schedule may determine if Ewers remains the frontrunner.