December 8, 2024: 1989 Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware took the stage during ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown to announce the four finalists selected for the 90th edition of the prestigious honor. As expected, Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillion Gabriel, Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Miami quarterback Cam Ward rounded up the list this year. But, surprisingly missing was one 22-year-old up-and-coming star who’s been turnings heads every week…

Yes, we’re talking about Arizona State Sun Devils’ star running back Cam Skattebo who powered his team to a Big 12 title vs Iowa State (45-19) on December 7. Adding 200 all-purpose yards and three TDs in the Big-12 championship game, the young star totaled 1,568 yards on the ground, 506 receiving yards and is just the third player in college football this season to surpass 2,000 all-purpose yards. In fact, his 2,074 all-purpose yards are a program record. So, it’s understandable why Skattebo would be frustrated at the alleged snub.

So when he expressed his annoyance at the post-game news conference, saying, “Nobody respects the fact that I’m the best running back in the country. I am going to stand on that. If people want to disrespect that, I am going to keep going and I am going to keep proving people wrong,” the world took notice. But, don’t worry, that’s not the last we heard from the player. But before we get to that part…

Sun Devils HC Kenny Dilllingham was among the many who were understandably shocked. Appearing on The Burns & Gambo Show podcast, the coach made a direct hit, “Some of that is political, and I get it. He kind of came from so far away to try to become in the Heisman [conversation]. A lot of that — you kind of have to be somebody that’s talked about at the beginning of the season. You kind of have to go into the season being on that watch list, and people are hyping you up that way. People would have watched him all year, right?” 

And now, the running back has returned to make his case again. On December 9, he appeared on The Triple Onion podcast with Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II and Rob Stone, and reiterated, “It’s been in the talks about Heisman and everything, and there are two other contenders that I think are really good, and deserve the award, but I felt like I’ve been slept on for a long time, and the fact that I’m rushing the way I’m rushing and also catching the ball the way I’m catching the ball. I mean, the most utilized back, I guess, in the Power Four football. And I’m doing it at the highest level possible. So, why should I not be in that conversation, you know?”

Well, certainly heartbreaking, especially when even a veteran like Nick Saban agrees how Skattebo might be the best. “That Cam Skattebo guy, that’s gotta be my favorite player in college football,” the former Alabama Crimson Tide coach had professed just last month. Okay, we get it—Skattebo is a charismatic guy. But what about the Top-4?

Is their inclusion really a political decision like Dillingham alleged, or do the numbers speak for themselves?

Top four finalists of the Heisman Trophy

On December 14, a season of anticipation will finally come to an end. But before that happens, let take a quick look at the contenders…

Hunter has garnered 92 receptions, 1,152 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Not only that, he is ranked among the best in passes defended and PFF’s coverage grades. Then there is Ashton Jeanty, who led Boise State to a successful season. This dude has rushed for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns. He has played a huge role in Boise State’s college football playoff bye.

Then there is Miami’s Cam Ward, a former FCS recruit who turned into a popular name in the sport. He boasts 4,123 passing yards, and 36 passing touchdowns. Under his leadership, the Hurricanes were just a few steps away from the playoffs. Last but not least, the team that has raised many eyebrows this season: Oregon Ducks fame Dillon Gabriel led his team to an unbelievable 13-0 record and a no. 1 spot in the CFP seed.

So, there you have it—the full picture. Tell us what you think. Did Cam Skattebo really deserve a chance on that hallowed Heisman 4?