Dillon Gabriel vs. Travis Hunter: Who should win the 2024 Heisman Trophy?

Colorado Buffaloes' two-way star Travis Hunter could only watch as his Heisman Trophy competitors competed during the conference championship weekend. The cornerback/wide receiver's season ended when the Buffaloes were knocked out of contention for the Big 12 championship game last week. However, Hunter's campaign continued unabated with a Heisman billboard in Times Square.

Meanwhile, his main rival for the award, Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty, led his No. 10 team to the Mountain West Conference championship with a 21-7 win against the UNLV Rebels.

The third favorite for the prize, Dillon Gabriel, also led the No. 1 Oregon Ducks to the Big Ten championship after beating the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions 45-37. Gabriel continued his stellar form by tallying 283 yards on 68.8% completion and four touchdowns.

According to FanDuel, Travis Hunter is priced at -5,000 to win the Heisman, followed by Ashton Jeanty (+1,500) and Dillon Gabriel (+25,000). While Gabriel has led his team to an unbeaten season, Hunter deserves to win the trophy for his two-way status.

Hunter has had a sensational season on both sides of the ball, with his unique two-way nature making him an intriguing candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Offensively, Hunter has registered 1,152 yards on 92 receptions and 14 touchdowns while playing 672 snaps. Defensively, he has tallied 32 tackles, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and a forced fumble in 688 snaps played.

Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel has tallied 3,558 yards on 73.2% completion with 28 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Popular analyst roots against Travis Hunter for Heisman

During the Mountain West Conference pitting the Boise State Broncos against the UNLV Rebels, Fox analyst Brock Huard made a sensational case for Ashton Jeanty and even Dillon Gabriel to win the Heisman Trophy over Hunter.

“To me … if only coaches voted, Ashton Jeanty would win the Heisman,” Huard said. “I really fully believe that. They know. Travis Hunter’s the most spectacular, most dynamic player. But the best player, who’s elevated his team to a championship and a playoff and a bye is that guy. And I love Hunter.

“I said it earlier, if you already voted and you’re a Heisman voter … just don’t vote ever again. It just makes no sense to me. Get every data point for all of these guys – for Dillon tomorrow. Get every data point you can.”

Despite Ashton Jeanty and Dillon Gabriel leading their teams to conference championship wins and the College Football Playoff, it seems as if Travis Hunter deservedly did enough during the regular season to convince voters to carry him to the Heisman Trophy win.