Week 4 of college football just got done! Amid drama galore, easy wins, and close games, we also have an update on the most anticipated race for individual glory. We’re talking about the Heisman Trophy, and some contenders have solidified their positions by their contributions this week. One former player already has a favorite, and we are not at all surprised!

Former NFL stars and famous TV personalities Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ocho’ Johnson discussed the Week 4 games in their podcast Nightcap. Naturally, a major part of their attention to one of the most divisive and popular teams, Prime Time’s Colorado Buffaloes. Well, they couldn’t stop praising the Buffs two-way star Travis Hunter for his brilliant performance on offense and defense in his team’s game against Baylor on Saturday. “One thing about when the Colorado Buffalo is playing, the game is always exciting,” Chad Johnson said. Ocho didn’t stop there. He put the Buffs star on the pedestal, adding, “If Travis Hunter is not in the top spot to win the Heisman Trophy, they need to cancel all voting from now on.”

Can we really blame Ocho? Is it really that tall of a claim? Buffs fans would make it seem like an obvious thing to say, and why shouldn’t they? Travis Hunter went for 130 yards on 7 receptions. Despite being heavily marked throughout the game,

Hunter was available for QB Shedeur Sanders at some critical points; their connection on a few 3rd downs was just a joy to watch, leaving Baylor, a team that possesses an effective pass-defense, clueless. But that isn’t all. His best contribution probably came during overtime. He sealed a Buffs win with a game-sealing forced fumble. As Hunter steals the spotlight, there are other deserving candidates, and some of them just can’t be ignored.

The odds will reflect the competition for the award this year. Cam Ward leads the pack at +350, putting in a dominant performance for Miami. Behind him at +500 is Jackson Dart, followed by Jaylen at +750. Freshman sensation Niko is set at +1000, while Dillon Gabriel is at +1200. Quinn Ewers and Carson Beck follow at +1400 and +1500, respectively. Notably, Travis Hunter is also in the mix at +1700, highlighting his dual-threat impact for Colorado. With players like Will Howard and Miller Moss trailing at +2,200 and Drew Eller at +2,500, the competition is wide open as the season progresses.

The rising stars of the Heisman race

Miami’s Cam Ward has been nothing short of sensational. Ward has led the Hurricanes to a 4-0 record while throwing for 1,439 yards and 14 TDs. Against South Florida, in their Week 4 game, Ward threw for 404 yards, including 3 TDs. He has been critical to Miami’s high-performing offense this year, and this is reflected in his being the favorite to win the award.

Then, we have Ole Miss Rebels’ Jaxson Dart. Another player who is on a team with a perfect start to the season. That 4-0 record is down to Dart’s consistency, and the numbers are just staggering. 4 games, 1,554 yards, 12 TDs. That’s not enough? We’ll just add three rushing TDs as well.

Following these two is Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, who couldn’t affect his position this week as the Tide were having a well-deserved bye-week. Even then, 590 passing yards, 8 passing TDs, and an improved performance with every game. Milroe has a tough assignment in Week 5 as they face Georgia. If he does it against the Bulldogs, there is a strong chance that you will see a forward movement for the Tide QB.

Then we have Niko Iamaleava, who embodies the future of Tennessee football. With a strong arm and ability to read defenses, he has shown that he can control the game. His 74.0 QBR reflects his ability to manage the game effectively. And he will have to step up as the season progresses. 61/88 completions, 892 yards, 7 TDs. Their win against Oklahoma Sooner came on the back of a sensible performance by the QB. If he continues like this, we never know! He might hold the trophy at the end of the season.

Who will be the clear pioneer? Only time will tell. But for now, The competition is open. If you want more information about college football, do catch this ES Think Tank podcast episode with Doug Sanders.