ESPN ranks Top 5 Heisman candidates after Week 7

Week 7 marks the halfway point of what’s been an electric college football season. Which calls for an update on the race for the most coveted individual award in the entire sport, the Heisman Trophy.

A multitude of players across the country have made strong cases that they belong in New York this December for a chance to win the Heisman. One of the most dynamic groups of candidates in recent history representing a variety of positions and programs.

ESPN recently released its midseason Heisman Watch poll, where 14 writers voted on their top five candidates for the award. 11 different players received votes, but only five made the cut. Check out ESPN’s top-voted candidates below.

1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State – RB

Jeanty leads ESPN’s poll and most odds as the favorite to take home the Heisman. Undoubtedly the best running back in the country with 18 touchdowns and 1,248 yards on the ground that puts him on pace to break Barry Sanders‘ single-season record.

In ESPN’s poll, Jeanty received all but three first-place votes as the midseason Heisman winner. And a win of the actual Heisman this season would make him the first non-Power Five/Four winner of the award since 1990 when Ty Detmer won the Heisman representing BYU.

2. Travis Hunter, Colorado – CB/WR

When it comes to rare and unique athletes, it’s hard to get better than two-way superstar Travis Hunter. One of the nation’s top wide receivers and defensive backs who has played 322 snaps on offense and 341 on defense this season.

Hunter leads the Big 12 with 49 receptions along with 587 yards and six touchdowns. Also a lockdown cornerback with three pass breakups and two interceptions this year as the best all-around player in the country and a fascinating NFL Draft prospect.

3. Cam Ward, Miami – QB

Miami’s Cam Ward is the first quarterback on the ESPN Heisman poll and rightfully so. Leading the nation with 23 total touchdowns along with 2,219 yards as the driving force in the Hurricanes’ undefeated start to the season.

Ward’s statistics are one thing, but the way he’s gone about achieving them helps his Heisman case even more. Leading The U to back-to-back comeback victories to start conference play, including a 25-point comeback in Week 6 against Cal.

4. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon – QB

Gabriel climbed up several Heisman Trophy rankings and odds following his stellar performance in Oregon’s big-time win over Ohio State. Passing and rushing for 373 total yards and three touchdowns in the Ducks’ first signature win as members of the Big Ten.

Despite a slow start to the season, Gabriel has remained consistent and efficient with 1,893 total yards and 17 total touchdowns while completing a career-high 76% of his passes. Doing so for a veteran leader for an undefeated, powerhouse program as many other past Heisman winners have done.

5. Kurtis Rourke, Indiana – QB

One of the biggest surprises of the season has been the undefeated start form the Indiana Hoosiers. Led by Ohio transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who has slowly but surely carved out his own path for winning the Heisman.

Rourke started in 33 games during his career in the MAC and was the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year for the league. Seamlessly transitioning his game to the Power Four level with 1,752 passing yards and 16 total touchdowns so far in a breakout season.