Paul Finebaum lists early names for 2024 Heisman Trophy race

It’s never too early to speculate about next season’s Heisman winner. During an appearance on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” Paul Finebaum revealed who he expects to make a run at the coveted award next season.

“I would start with [Alabama QB] Jalen Milroe,” Finebaum said on Monday. “I heard Greg say [Georgia QB] Carson Beck a minute ago. Those are good places to start within the SEC. Then, after that, you just grab whoever’s coming back, which right now is somewhat of a mystery.”

Milroe’s stock has skyrocketed toward the end of the 2023 campaign. After Alabama’s Week 1 victory, the nation showered him with praise. Fans questioned how they ever could have doubted Saban’s plan. Just one week later, disaster struck.

In Alabama’s 34-24 loss to Texas, Milroe only completed 14-of-his-27 pass attempts for 255 yards and two touchdowns while throwing two interceptions. In seven days, the nation turned its back on Milroe. Saban seemingly followed suit, benching the redshirt sophomore.

However, as usual, Saban had a plan. The decision to sit Milroe was a test, and the budding star passed with flying colors. Saban reinstated Milroe as the team’s starting quarterback in Week 4, and he has only improved every week since.

The Heisman Trophy is certainly on Milroe’s mind. After he tossed a game-winning touchdown to defeat Auburn in the 2023 Iron Bowl, the dual-threat quarterback stomped across the field, proclaiming a clear message.

“Let’s f****** go! Give me the Heisman! Give me that motherf******!” Milroe said.

Carson Beck coming for the crown

Beck hasn’t been so outspoken about his Heisman efforts, but his statistics have expectations high for next season, assuming he returns. In just his first year as a starter, Beck finished top-15 in yards per game (287.5), top-10 in yards per attempt (9.4) and completion percentage (72.4) and top-5 in the NCAA for passing yards (3,738).

Even in defeat, Beck was impressive. In Georgia’s loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship, Beck completed 21-of-29 (72.4%) passes for 243 yards. Beck finished outside the top-10 of this year’s Heisman voting despite receiving some late-season attention.

With another offseason to rein in his abilities, there’s no telling what Beck is capable of. Of course, his competition won’t hand over the trophy. College football will be filled with QB talent in 2024, including standouts such as Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Texas‘ Quinn Ewers and Penn State’s Drew Allar.