Heisman Trophy Watch: On3 expert analysis after Week 12

Only two weeks remain in the regular season, so the time to make a compelling Heisman Trophy case is rapidly shrinking. And there appears to be a clear favorite in the race now.

Throughout the season, experts at On3 have and will continue to provide analysis and discussion on the race for the Heisman Trophy. Today we break down the latest following the weekend’s action.

Here’s a look at what players the experts from On3 have at the top of the rankings for the Heisman Trophy race, with their top three listed as well as analysis from each below.

Andy Staples

1. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
3. QB Cam Ward, Miami

Travis Hunter: Hunter had a Heisman Trophy moment with a spectacular fourth-down catch, and he added an interception and a touchdown to boot in Colorado’s win against Utah.

Ashton Jeanty: Jeanty’s numbers aren’t as extraterrestrial as they were at the beginning of the season, but he remains the engine powering Boise State’s run toward the playoff.

Cam Ward: Ward had the week off, but the Hurricanes will need him to produce if they want to close out with an ACC title.

Ari Wasserman

1. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
3. QB Cam Ward, Miami

Travis Hunter: Though there seems to be a large group of people who can’t see how special Travis Hunter is, my eyes are wide open. He’s an elite-level player on both sides of the ball and he’s helping Colorado — yes, Colorado — make a College Football Playoff push. He’s the perfect embodiment of what this award is about. It’s a lot more than just stats.

Ashton Jeanty: There is no question that Boise State’s running back is having one of the best season’s we’ve ever seen. In Boise State’s latest win, he rushed for 159 yards and three more touchdowns. There’s no such thing as a Heisman Trophy ballot without Jeanty’s name on it.

Cam Ward: The last time out, Miami suffered a tough loss to Georgia Tech. But the Hurricanes are firmly in the College Football Playoff picture because of their sensational quarterback. Ward has thrown for 3,494 yards and 32 touchdowns this year while leading one of the best offenses in college football.

Charles Power

1. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
3. QB Cam Ward, Miami

Travis Hunter: He continues to defy the norms of modern college football by making massive impacts on both sides of the ball. We saw his unique ability on display Saturday with him making acrobatic catches on offense and picking off a pass on defense.

Ashton Jeanty: He led Boise State to another come-from-behind win, rushing for 159 yards and three touchdowns. The Broncos look to be on a crash course for the College Football Playoff.

Cam Ward: He and Miami were idle this week and have two more league games before a probable ACC Championship berth.

JD PicKell

1. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
3. QB Cam Ward, Miami

Travis Hunter: Just give Travis Hunter the Heisman Trophy. Not his average 100-yard receiving day but still had a major impact on the win over Utah with an interception. Personally a big believer in the idea that striking the Heisman pose boosts your chances to win the award.

Ashton Jeanty: Jeanty went over 100 yards yet again against San Jose State. As impressive as his production is his durability. Jeanty has had over 30 carries the last five weeks. My man missed the memo he was supposed to wear down in November.

Cam Ward: Even on a bye, I have Ward up a spot from last week. Dillon Gabriel turned in a lackluster day against Wisconsin and while Miami isn’t undefeated, Ward has had more consistent production thus far.