“The best stories come to those who are willing to listen.” Although the source of this quote remains anonymous—thanks, Google—the sentiment rings true as we examine our Last Word on Sports Week 12 Heisman Poll. We poll our writers each week, asking them to rank their Top 5 candidates. Our top two this week have distanced themselves from the pack. This is evident not only from their play on the field but also in polling results. This week, one of our top writers voted for “MASSIVE, CAVERNOUS, GAPING GAP” for their third-place vote. This made this writer chuckle (and hopefully you and my editor). I will not give up my source/voter but thank the writer for reminding us that these little things make college football great. Without further adieu, you Week 12 Heisman poll.
Week 12 Heisman Poll
We will continue to track whose stock is rising and whose stock is falling in our Week 12 Heisman poll. Some old faces will return to our list this week. Before jumping into the poll, we highlight a quarterback that silenced the critics, at least for a week.
Honorable Mention: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia Bulldogs
Carson Beck has been the center of plenty of criticism this season. Georgia came into last week’s game, having lost two games in the regular season for the first time in a while. For most of the first quarter, it seemed as if the Bulldog’s struggles would continue. A missed big throw to start the game and three three-and-outs. The game changed when Beck hit Dominic Lovett on the final play of the first quarter for 38 yards. The big play sparked. Beck and Georgia to a much-needed 31-17 win over the Volunteers. Beck finished the game 25/40 with 347 yards passing and two touchdowns. He also ran the ball three times for 32 yards and a touchdown. Georgia’s postseason hopes rest on the quarterback and his ability to move the offense in the future.
#5 Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss Rebels
Jaxson Dart and the Rebels were off last week and face Florida and Mississippi State to end the season. While neither of the Rebels’ final two opponents is in consideration for the College Football Playoff, both have the ability to ruin their postseason chances. Florida derailed LSU’s postseason hopes last week in the Swamp, and Mississippi State would like nothing more than to end Lane Kiffin and Dart’s Cinderella story.
#4 Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes
Cam Ward has the weight of the ACC and the Hurricanes on his shoulders. The CFB Playoff committee continues to give the Hurricanes favorite status over SMU. Should Ward be able to lead the Hurricanes to an ACC Championship, they will likely secure one of the four first-round byes. Wake Forest and Syracuse stand in the way of the Canes facing the SMU in Charlotte for the spot.
Ward’s season has likely vaulted him atop NFL Draft Boards. Ward bet on himself by skipping last year’s draft to go to Coral Gables. With no clear-cut quarterback darling in the 2025 class, Ward will get plenty of press after the season.
#3 Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon Ducks
Dillon Gabriel and the Ducks continue to handle their business in the Big Ten. Sure, they avoided catastrophe and a pesky Wisconsin bunch on Saturday, but with the win, they were able to secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. Should Gabriel continue to navigate the Ducks to a perfect season, he could convince many voters, likely outside of this group, that he is most worthy of winning the Heisman.
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#2 Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos
Ashton Jeanty and Boise State are seemingly starting to feel some of the pressures of being the top-ranked G5 team. Jeanty and the Broncos were locked in a back-and-forth battle Saturday against San Jose State. The Boise running back put the Broncos ahead for good with his 36-yard touchdown run when the game was locked at 21. Jeanty has been a difference-maker and the top running back in the country. He has 1,893 yards on the season to go with 26 touchdowns.
#1 Travis Hunter, ATH, Colorado Buffaloes
When does Travis Hunter get tired? Hunter averages more than 100+ snaps per game when healthy. Hunter also continues to perform at a high level on both sides of the ball. On Saturday, Hunter became the first player since Champ Bailey (while in the NFL) to have at least 50 yards receiving, score a rushing touchdown, and intercept a pass. He also gave up his first touchdown on the season, but we can assume only to prove that he is human.
