Heisman Trophy chances view: Hunter, Gabriel lead going into Week 12

• Pamela Maldonado, Sports Betting AnalystNov 12, 2024, 10:00 AM ET Close Pamela Maldonado is a sports betting expert for ESPN.As the 2024 college

football season enters its final stretch, the Heisman Trophy race appears to be strengthening around 4 standout contenders.Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter has returned as the front-runner, dazzling fans and citizens alike with his skills on both offense and defense. Oregon’s quarterback Dillon Gabriel remains in hot pursuit, keeping the Ducks ‘national championship hopes alive. Miami’s Camera Ward, regardless of a current problem, continues to impress with his respected passing, while Boise State’s running back Ashton Jeanty has remained in contention with his record-chasing hurrying performances.Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke has made a surprising late-season surge, catapulting himself into the discussion, a minimum of as it relates to wagering. As Week 12 looms, these 5 players have actually identified themselves from the pack, each bringing a special story to the Heisman race and setting the phase for an electrifying conclusion to the season.All odds are accurate since timestamp. For the most recent chances go to ESPN BET. Heisman race: Hunter rises to the top Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado Buffaloes +125 Last week: +225 Hunter is back as the +125 favorite. In Colorado’s

41-27 road win against Texas Tech, he showcased his unique two-way abilities. On offense, Hunter caught nine passes for 99 yards and a

touchdown. Defensively, he played 53 snaps and was only targeted as soon as, showing his lockdown coverage skills. While Hunter didn’t tape a main interception, he did make an incredible interception that was regrettably nullified.Why Hunter is the favorite: Hunter’s Heisman candidateship is moved by his unmatched two-way luster in modern-day college football. As both an elite pass receiver and cornerback, Hunter has actually accumulated remarkable stats on both

sides of the ball: 69 receptions for 856 yards and 9 touchdowns offensively, matched by 2 interceptions, one required fumble, 7 passes protected, and 20 tackles defensively. This dual-threat ability sets him apart in a field usually controlled by quarterbacks.Hunter’s impact extends beyond specific data, playing a crucial role in Colorado’s resurgence. With a 7-2 record and a shot at the Big 12 championship game, the Buffaloes’ success is inextricably connected to Hunter’s flexible contributions. His distinct capability aligns completely with the Heisman’s objective to recognize college football’s most outstanding player.Adding weight to Hunter’s project is the endorsement of his head coach, Deion Sanders, a former two-way player himself, who has dubbed Hunter”the best player in college football.”In a season when quarterback efficiencies have been less dominant, voters may be more likely to think about nontraditional prospects like Hunter.Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

Ducks +275 Recently: +275 Dillon Gabriel and the top-ranked Ducks rolled over Maryland. AP Photo/Jenny Kane Gabriel has actually solidified his position as the second favorite entering Week 12. He had a historical outing in Oregon’s 39-18 triumph over Maryland, breaking the FBS all-time record for overall goals previouslyheld by Case Keenum with 179. Although his Week 11 statistics were not that outstanding, 23-of-34 for 184 yards and 3 touchdowns, his record-breaking touchdown began a 3-yard pass to offending lineman Gernorris Wilson in the third quarter.Why Gabriel could win: Gabriel’s Heisman case is developed on a foundation of record-breaking performances and constant quality. His new FBS record for career goals highlights his efficiency throughout his six years of college experience. At the helm of Oregon’s undefeated 10-0 campaign, Gabriel has kept the Ducks in prime position for both a College Football Playoff berth and a potential

Big Ten championship.Gabriel leads the FBS with a 74%completion rate while topping the Big 10 in passing yards(2,848)and touchdowns(22 ). His flexibility is complemented by 6 hurrying ratings this season, showcasing his dual-threat abilities. His consent touchdown run versus Ohio State supplied the essential “Heisman moment “that typically sways voters.Gabriel’s efficiency in Oregon’s victory over Boise State offers him a direct edge over fellow Heisman contender Ashton Jeanty.

This head-to-head benefit, integrated with his analytical output and group success, strengthens Gabriel’s position as a top Heisman prospect in an extremely competitive race.Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos +400 Last week: +600 Jeanty goes into Week 12 as the 3rd preferred to win the Heisman. Jeanty had another outstanding getaway in Week 11, rushing for 209 backyards and 3 touchdowns on 34 brings

, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt.Why Jeanty might win: Jeanty’s Heisman case is built on his consistent high-volume production. Leading the FBS with 1,734 hurrying backyards, Jeanty has actually outpaced his closest rival by 400 lawns. His 23 rushing goals puts him on track to possibly reach 32 by season’s end, an accomplishment attained by only five players in college football history.His consistency is highlighted by numerous 200-plus yard hurrying performances, including standout games of 259, 267, and 217 lawns. He has actually excelled against top-tier competitors, notably hurrying for 192 backyards and 3 goals against No. 1 Oregon earlier in the

season.His impact is indisputable, acting as an essential cog in Boise State’s 8-1 record(5-0 in conference)and their contention for the Mountain West title. While contrasts to Barry Sanders ‘famous 1988 season have actually been drawn, Jeanty’s performance stands impressively on its own merits.If he can preserve his existing pace and provide standout performances in Boise State’s staying games, Jeanty might make an engaging case to become the very first non-Power Five player to win the Heisman considering that BYU’s Ty Detmer in 1990. Web Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes +850 Last week: +185 Ward dropped to the 4th spot after leading the odds recently. In Miami’s 28-23 upset loss to Georgia Tech, Ward tossed for 348 yards and three touchdowns in addition to three sacks. He led a late return effort, bringing Miami within 5 points in the 4th quarter. However, the game ended with a strip-sack on Ward during Miami’s final drive.Why Ward could win: In spite of an obstacle in Week 11, Ward’s Heisman candidateship remains viable due to his excellent season-long output: 3,494 passing backyards(1st FBS), 32 goals(1st FBS)and just 6 interceptions.Prior to the recent loss, Ward had actually guided Miami to an undefeated record and a No. 4 ranking, keeping them in the College Football Playoff conversation.

With a reasonably manageable schedule ahead,

facing WakeForest and

Syracuse, Ward has the chance to strengthen his case with strong performances in these final regular-season games.An ACC champion would significantly enhance Ward’s Heisman prospects, too. With the expanded 12-team playoff format, Miami’s CFP opportunities live, possibly keeping Ward in the national spotlight.Although his course to the Heisman has certainly ended up being more difficult, his total body of work and the capacity for a strong finish keep him in contention.Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana Hoosiers +1500 Last week: +3000 Rourke’s odds keep dropping each week, pressing him better into the Heisman conversation from a wagering point of view.

In Indiana’s 20-15 success over Michigan, Rourke threw for two goals in the first half, helping Indiana build a lead. He ended up the game completing 17-of-28 passes for 206 backyards and 2 touchdowns.Why Rourke has an opportunity to enter the Heisman conversation: Rourke’s Heisman potential customers have actually risen in part due to Indiana’s extraordinary success. With 2,410 passing lawns

(22nd) and 21 touchdowns(12th), Rourke’s performance is particularly notable– his 10.1 backyards per effort ranks second nationally. This production has been instrumental in assisting Indiana to a historic 10-0

record, the best in program history.Rourke’s odds escalating from +10000 2 weeks ago to +1500 now, highlights his momentum in the Heisman race. His story as the leader of a historically underperforming program now experiencing a breakoutseason is particularly compelling to voters.A victory over Ohio State and a potential Huge 10 Championship look could strengthen Rourke as a major competitor. His fast increase in the odds shows growing belief that he could be this year’s long shot candidate.Betting consideration Back Indiana ATS versus Ohio State Holding a Hunter and/or Jeanty ticket from early in the season, combined with Gabriel from recently if you went into Week 11 without any skin in the game, including Rourke would be the intriguing option. Nevertheless, at this stage of the season, the Heisman Prize race appears to have actually strengthened around 4 leading contenders: Hunter, Gabriel, Ward, and Jeanty.While Rourke’s efficiency has actually been motivating, the genuine story is Indiana’s unexpected success as a group, instead of Rourke’s specific accomplishments. Rourke is unquestionably leading the offense effectively, but the Hoosiers’defense has been a huge contributing element to their success(4th in backyards allowed and eight in points allowed ), making this a real team effort.For those looking to capitalize on Indiana’s surprising season, a more promising wager may be backing

the Hoosiers as underdogs versus Ohio State in Week 13, both versus the spread and on the cash line.Current projected Week 13 line per ESPN Research study: Indiana +9(+275 )at Ohio State.This method acknowledges the group’s total efficiency and capacity for an upset, rather than focusing exclusively on

Rourke’s Heisman opportunities. Indiana’s success

is a testament to their cumulative effort and coaching, making them an intriguing underdog choice in their upcoming prominent matchup.