Someone call Dr. Pepper. We may have a quarterback controversy brewing in Fansville, I mean Austin. In the Heisman’s history, teammates have finished in the Top 10 46 times. This week, we not only have two teammates from the same Team in our Top 5, but they also play the same position. Before we look at the Week 3 Heisman poll, let’s look at one player who deserves honorable mention (and an ice bath) after playing last week.
Honorable Mention: Travis Hunter, ATH, Colorado Buffaloes
For those not familiar with recruiting rankings, ATH stands for Athlete. Hunter embodies what an Athlete is in today’s football game. While he may not be playing on the offensive and defensive line, Hunter is playing wide receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes. Hunter is averaging over 120 plays per game and excelling. He ranks second nationally in receptions (30), second in receiving touchdowns (5), and seventh in receiving yards (342). Remarkably, he’s even stronger as a cornerback, consistently shutting down opponents’ top receivers. Teams have largely avoided throwing his way, yet he’s still managed an interception, two pass breakups, and 11 tackles.
Strike the Pose: Week 3 Heisman Poll
We will continue to track whose stock is rising and whose stock is falling in our Week 3 Heisman poll. The love continues for the quarterbacks in our poll this week. The signal callers locked in four of the top five spots. Our Group of Five representatives continues to climb the polls.
#5 Arch Manning, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns (NR)
The “We Want Arch” crowd got what they requested on Saturday. Manning stepped in after Quinn Ewers went out with an injury early in the game against UTSA. The sophomore completed nine of 12 passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns. He also showed that Mannings are more than just their arm. He also ran the ball three times for another 53 yards and the highlight-reel touchdown (Thanks, Mom!). Manning will get his first start against the University of Louisiana Monroe this weekend.
#4 Quinn Ewers, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns (
4)
Seeing Ewers lying on the turf at DK Royal Stadium Saturday night was a bummer. The young quarterback has had plenty of spotlight on his playing career and dealing with his famous backup. Over the last year, Ewers has done an excellent job of becoming a top-flight quarterback in the SEC and college football. Ewers left the UTSA game early in the second quarter after suffering a non-contact injury, later confirmed to be an “oblique strain.” He will rest this week and likely return for Red River in two weeks in Dallas.
#3 Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State (
2)
The bye week suffered another “L” last week and saw Jeantry rise the most spots in our Week 3 Heisman poll. The junior from Jacksonville is making a name for himself as the top running back in the nation. In two games this season, he averages 10.2 yards a carry and has nine touchdowns. Jeantry and the Broncos will look to add to those states as they take on Portland State this weekend. Sounds like it could be a nice little Saturday.
#2 Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Ole Miss ( 1)
Dart continues to climb on Heisman ballots each week. He is an offensive and emotional leader for the Ole Miss Rebels in 2024. Last weekend, he had another big day against Wake Forest. Dart finished the game 26-of-34 for 377 yards and two touchdowns passing. It was a rushing touchdown in the third quarter that showed the heart that Dart plays with on the field. Dart broke through at least four or five Deamon Deacons on his way to the score. After the game, Dart said he was not going to be denied. “I was pissed, man. I was tired of not scoring in the red zone, and I told myself whoever was in front of me was going to feel it.” Ole Miss hosts Georgia Southern this week before getting into SEC play against Kentucky in two weeks.
#1 Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami (FL.) ( 1)
Ward returns to our top spot this week after spending last week at #2. The Hurricanes have yet to be tested this year truly, but Ward keeps putting up big numbers. He threw for 246 yards and five touchdowns last week against Ball State. The ACC is ripe for the taking in 2024, and Ward seems to be the steady force that will help the Hurricanes finally realize their dreams of a conference championship. Don’t look too far ahead, though; the Hurricanes have the makings of a trap game this week as they head to Tampa to take on South Florida. The Bulls have vastly improved under Alex Goelsh and would love more than to spoil Ward and the Hurricanes’ party.
