The race is on! But it’s not just for the Heisman. Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders and Georgia Bulldogs QB Carson Beck are in a nail-biter battle as the hunt for the Davey O’Brien Award will soon hit the grounds. Both the programs wasted no moment in hyping their respective QBs on Instagram.

The Davey O’Brien Foundation dropped their list for the National Quarterback Award on Thursday, August 8. And this year, eight quarterbacks got lucky to find themselves in a spot. Even though the top awards are right around the corner, it’s impossible to overlook the Heisman hoopla, where Beck and Shedeur are in the race!

Shedeur and Beck riding the wave of recognition

The initiative has been taken up by the Davey O’Brien Foundation and through this they recognize outstanding student-athletes who have accomplished something big both on and off the field. There are various categories, led by the annual National Quarterback Award. And here comes the 2024 preseason watchlist that consists of 22 seniors, 12 juniors, and two sophomores. And the programs are already losing their mind to find out their QBs on the list. Does that mean they would follow the same timeline to endorse their stars? That is what it looks like. It started with the CU Buffs Football rolling the red carpet for Shedeur as they posted on IG, “Legendary Shedeur Sanders has been named to the Davey O’Brien Watchlist #GoBuffs.”

And BOOM! Here came the Georgia Bulldogs being the ultimate cheerleaders of their star QB Beck. Within an hour of the Buffaloes’ IG post, Kirby Smart’s program broadcasted their player’s greatness on IG. The Bulldogs posted a picture of Beck and wrote, “Preseason Watch List – 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐲 𝐎’𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 #GoDawgs.” While both Shedeur and Beck delight in the buzz, deep down there is something they must be worried about.  

Beck’s Heisman hopes slip as Shedeur is left behind

Even though right at the moment, the Davy O’Brien Watchlist claims all the attention, mind you, the Heisman race is not far behind. If you think that like the Davy O’Brien watchlist, Shedeur, and Beck get to savor the spotlight there too, then you might be mistaken. Even a few days back, the Georgia QB was hailed as the top contender in the Heisman race. The same was true for Shedeur who was expected to land big in the competition starting with +2500 odds. But not anymore. 

On August 3, CFB Home dropped a list titled “Current Heisman Odds” that came with huge blows. Going by the predictions, Beck no longer gets to enjoy the top spot. Now that he has slipped from his first rank, his odds have dipped to +750. And guess who took Beck’s position? Not one player but it’s a tie. The Georgia QB has been replaced by Kansas State QB Avery Johnson and Conner Weigman from Texas A&M who stands at +2500 odds. 

Not only did Beck hit a roadblock, but what is more alarming is Shedeur’s position. Rather no position! Yes, you read that right, in the CFB list, the Buffs QB and dual-threat Travis Hunter goes unmentioned. Will the Davey O’Brien Award preseason list act as a balm to their recent wounds? Do share your thoughts!