Heisman Trophy odds after Week 6: Ashton Jeanty gains the lead with Week 6 performance

The Heisman Trophy race is heating up after a chaotic Week 6 slate of college football matchups. Some names have dropped down the rankings, while others have bolstered their case for the most prestigious award in college football.

With schools like Alabama, Tennesee, Michigan and USC suffering upset losses this weekend, the Heisman Trophy race will look a lot different going into Week 7.

As we approach the halfway point of the 2024 college football season, here are the updated Heisman Trophy odds after Week 6.

Heisman Trophy odds after Week 6

#1 Ashton Jeanty (+220)

Ashton Jeanty claimed the top spot in the Heisman Trophy odds rankings. Last week's leader Jalen Milroe struggled versus Vanderbilt and Jeanty posted another stellar performance this weekend against Utah State.

Jeanty posted 13 carries for 186 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday. These are extraordinary numbers that only get crazier when you realize he did this in just the first half.

Jeanty eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on Saturday in just five games. The star running back is averaging 10.9 yards per carry and has posted 1,031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 95 carries so far this season.

#2 Travis Hunter (+320)

Travis Hunter fell behind Jeanty after Week 6 only because Hunter's Colorado Buffaloes had a bye this weekend. Hunter and the Buffaloes will return to action in Week 7 versus No. 18 Kansas State.

Through five games, Hunter is already being regarded as arguably the greatest two-way player in college football history.

On the offensive end, Hunter has recorded 46 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns, eclipsing the 100-yard receiving mark in four of their first five games. Defensively, Hunter has posted 15 total tackles, a game-winning forced fumble, two interceptions and three passes defended.

#3 Cam Ward (+450)

Cam Ward's Heisman case appeared to be on the Jalen Milroe path, battered by a loss to an unranked team in Cal. That was until Ward brought his No. 8 Miami Hurricanes back from a 25-point deficit to win 39-38 and remain undefeated at 6-0.

Ward completed 35 of his 53 pass attempts for 437 yards and two touchdowns with an interception, adding a third touchdown on the ground.

Ward has looked like the best quarterback in the country so far this season, leading the FBS in passing yards and touchdowns. Through six games, Ward has completed 69.2% of his passes for 2,219 yards and 20 touchdowns with five interceptions. Ward has added three touchdowns on the ground.

#4 Jalen Milroe (+1000)

Jalen Milroe's Heisman odds slipped immensely after Alabama's historic 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt, but the quarterback still had a solid game despite his struggles.

Milroe has looked like arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in the country this season, but struggled using his legs versus Vanderbilt.

The quarterback completed 18 of his 24 pass attempts for 310 yards and two touchdowns, one rushing and one passing, posting seven carries for 10 yards.

Milroe has completed 73.4% of his passes this season for 1,274 yards and 11 touchdowns with three interceptions. On the ground, Milroe has notched 59 carries for 283 yards and nine touchdowns.

Notable Mentions

Jeremiah Smith (+3300)

Jeremiah Smith has burst onto the scene this season as a freshman. Smith is leading a stacked Ohio State receiving core in his first collegiate season and has scored a touchdown in every game this season.

On the year, Smith has caught 23 passes for 453 yards and seven total touchdowns. Smith is 32nd in the country in receiving yards and is still far from reaching his ceiling. As the Buckeyes enter a tough stretch, matching up against No. 6 Oregon this week, expect Smith's targets to continue to increase.

Cade Klubnik (+1300)

Like his Clemson Tigers, Cade Klubnik has been on the rise since their embarrassing Week 1 34-3 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Since Week 1, Klubnik is averaging 269.2 passing yards per game and has thrown for multiple touchdowns in each game since the Georgia matchup. On the year, Klubnik has completed 64.3% of his passes for 1,219 yards and 14 touchdowns with two interceptions. The Clemson quarterback has also added four touchdowns on the ground.