College Football 2024 Heisman Trophy Watchlist After Week 1

Week 1 of the college football season is on in the rearview mirror. It featured a number of big moments, including Miami obliterating Florida and Notre Dame going into College Station and taking down Texas A&M.

No trophy in college sports means as much as the Heisman Trophy, which recognizes the best player in college football. That's why each week I'll be taking stock of the top five contenders for the trophy.

Below are the top five Heisman contenders after Week 1 of the college football season. These are the five players who I view as having the best shot to win the trophy based on their performances this season.

5. Nico Iamaleava - QB, Tennessee

There was a lot of preseason hype surrounding Nico Iamaleava as he took over as the QB for the Volunteers. He was impressive in his one start in 2023, so what would he do in 2024?

It was only one game against an FCS school, but Iamaleava looked outstanding. He was 22-for-28 for 314 yards and three touchdowns as the Volunteers won 69-3.

4. Cam Ward - QB, Miami

Cam Ward joined the Hurricanes after two seasons at Washington State, opting to play one more college season over leaving for the NFL. That decision was quickly proven to be a smart move, as Ward's draft stock likely blew up after his strong showing against Florida.

Cam Ward was sensational against Florida. Always had it in him, but coming back for another year was the smartest decision he ever made. His film from that game is turning heads in NFL circles. pic.twitter.com/dFWe3wXaW7

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 2, 2024

In the big win, Ward was 26-for-35 for 385 yards and three touchdowns. He was picked off once and added 33 rushing yards. Ward makes Miami a legitimate threat to win the ACC.

3. Carson Beck - QB, Georgia

In the first half of Georgia's season opener, I started questioning the Carson Beck Heisman push. He was viewed as a favorite in the preseason, but he didn't look like one early in the Clemson game.

Ultimately, he recovered to have a solid showing, going 23-for-33 for 278 yards and two touchdowns. His stats won't pop like some other players, but as long as Georgia keeps winning games, he'll remain in contention.

2. Jaxson Dart - QB, Ole Miss

Ole Miss rolled past Furman in Week 1 and Jaxson Dart was impressive, going 22-for-27 for 418 yards and five touchdowns. Just for good measure, Dart added 27 rushing yards and a score as well.

1. Dillon Gabriel - QB, Oregon

It looks like Dillon Gabriel might follow the same path that took Bo Nix right to the precipice of a Heisman last season when he finished third in the voting behind Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. That path? Efficient numbers in an offense that's great for offense.

Dillon Gabriel (@_dillongabriel_) showed out in his @oregonfootball debut 🤩 pic.twitter.com/inVGE88ARt

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 1, 2024

In the season-opening win against Idaho, Gabriel was 41-for-49 for 380 yards and two touchdowns.

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