Saturday evening, Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter captured the 2024 Heisman Trophy. His win came in front of numerous past Heisman winners, including former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.
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“RG3”, who earned his Heisman in 2012, recorded Hunter’s announcement from the stage and credited all four finalists for outstanding seasons in a Twitter/X post.
Every finalists was worthy of winning the Heisman Trophy. In the end, the voters saw Travis Hunter Jr. as a UNICORN doing something WE HAVE NEVER SEEN before at WR and DB. Welcome to the Heisman family brother. Can’t wait to welcome you into the Heisman House. @TravisHunterJr pic.twitter.com/0SbE6hnyKI
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 15, 2024
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Miami quarterback Cam Ward were the other finalists for the award. Many fans acknowledged Hunter’s victory, but several commenters on RG3’s post believed Jeanty was snubbed.
I appreciate that but Jeanty carried his team to the playoffs, Hunter’s team did not win their conference and did not go to the playoffs. Jeanty is the best running back we have seen In decades.
— TecmoBowlGuy (@Tecmobowlguy) December 15, 2024
Jeanty was robbed. He’ll have a significantly better NFL career.
— SeahawkSkinny (@SeahawkSkinny) December 15, 2024
No not really Ashton was robbed.
— Sahar (@ThecatLestat60) December 15, 2024
Hunter’s margin of victory for the award was the slimmest since Alabama running back Mark Ingram (2009). That in itself proves Jeanty had a great case to win it.
However, it’s not the only aspect. Against all odds, Jeanty actually appeared on a higher percentage of ballots – meaning he garnered more total votes – than Hunter.
When you vote for the Heisman, you get to put 3 players on your ballot.
Interesting note, Ashton Jeanty was on 95.04% of the ballots and Travis Hunter was on 93.32% of ballots.
Hunter won with 2,231 total points to Jeanty’s 2,017 points. pic.twitter.com/LCusPzoWLx
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) December 15, 2024
Jeanty may not have secured the Heisman, but he didn’t emerge from awards season empty-handed. He pocketed the Maxwell Award – given to the country’s most outstanding player – and the Doak Walker Award (recognizes college football’s top running back).
Eight of the last 10 Maxwell winners also earned the Heisman, so Jeanty did experience some bad luck. He did do something Hunter couldn’t, though, by leading his team to the College Football Playoff.
Perhaps winning the championship – or at least advancing beyond the quarterfinals – with Boise State can function as a solid consolation prize.
