3 players that stand as underdogs in 2024 Heisman Trophy race ft. Jalen Milroe

The Heisman Trophy remains the most prestigious award in all of college football. This year's race appears to be coming down to three players as Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter is the favorite to win the award, followed by Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty and Miami (FL) Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward.

While there have been plenty of debates over which player is the most deserving, there are several others who will look to bolster their case over the final two weeks of the regular season and championship weekend.

Here's a closer look at three underdogs in the 2024 Heisman Trophy race.

3 players that stand as underdogs in 2024 Heisman Trophy race

#1. Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe joined the Alabama Crimson Tide as a four-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. He took over as the starting quarterback last season. While he found himself benched at times early on, he wound up finishing sixth in Heisman Trophy voting.

Milroe's starting role has been far more stable in 2024 and he has played great. He has thrown for 2,232 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. The Crimson Tide quarterback has completed 67.5% of his passes while adding 608 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 120 carries. His Heisman Trophy odds sit at +3500.

#2. Dillon Gabriel

Dillon Gabriel initially joined the UCF Knights as a three-star prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. While he became the starting quarterback as a true freshman, he joined the Oklahoma Sooners via the transfer portal ahead of the 2022 season after suffering a season-ending injury the previous year.

Gabriel started two seasons under center for the Sooners before joining the Oregon Ducks via the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season. He has 3,066 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. Gabriel has completed 73.8% of his passes while running for 155 yards and six touchdowns on 54 carries. The Ducks quarterback also has +3500 odds to win the Heisman Trophy.

#3. Kurtis Rourke

Kurtis Rourke initially joined the Ohio Bobcats as a two-star prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. After redshirting his true freshman season, he took over the starting quarterback job the following year. Rourke joined the Indiana Hoosiers via the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season.

He has thrown for 2,410 yards, 21 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 71.8% of his passes. The Hoosiers quarterback's Heisman Trophy odds sit at +3000, however, they could get a big boost with a win over the Ohio State Buckeyes this weekend.