2024 Heisman Trophy Fantasy Draft: Travis Hunter, Jalen Milroe and 34 more picks for NYC

The Athletic’s Heisman draft is again, with a brand new crop of challengers enterprise the tough job of projecting this yr’s most excellent participant. With all 4 of 2023’s finalists off to the NFL as top-12 draft picks, this yr’s subject appears to be like as huge open because the race for the newly expanded School Soccer Playoff. Will a blue-blood program’s main man take dwelling the {hardware}, or will a breakout star nobody sees coming steal the present?

The format of this annual preseason train stay the identical: We organized writers in a randomized snake draft order and gave them 4 rounds to take their decide of this season’s Heisman candidates. In December, the author whose 4 picks have totaled essentially the most factors earns 12 months of bragging rights.

Our scoring system:

• Heisman Trophy winner: 15 factors
• Second-place end: 9 factors
• Third place: 8 factors
• Fourth place: 7 factors
• Fifth place: 6 factors
• Sixth place: 5 factors
• Seventh place: 4 factors
• Eighth place: 3 factors
• Ninth place: 2 factors
• tenth place: 1 level
• Invited to New York Metropolis: +5 bonus
• Midseason Heisman chief: +5 bonus

Right here was the randomized order of our snake draft: 1. Justin Williams; 2. David Ubben; 3. Seth Emerson; 4. Stewart Mandel (final yr’s champion, on the energy of his first-round decide Jayden Daniels and his second-round decide Bo Nix); 5. Sam Khan Jr.; 6. Scott Dochterman; 7. Chris Vannini; 8. Manny Navarro; 9. Bruce Feldman.

Spherical 1, Decide 1: QB Carson Beck, Georgia

Beck feels just like the most secure potential selection. He’s a returning beginning quarterback for the preseason No. 1 crew, he’s faculty soccer’s main returning passer when it comes to whole yards (3,941) and he set Georgia’s single-season faculty document for completion share (72.4 p.c) in 2023. He’s additionally the highest QB prospect within the admittedly weak 2025 NFL Draft class and has a wealth of expertise round him. This child goes to place up numbers. Regardless of a tricky schedule, the Bulldogs are a positive wager for the 12-team Playoff, and barring damage, Beck has a really clear path to being not less than a Heisman finalist. — Williams

Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein turned Bo Nix right into a Heisman candidate and first-round decide after three uneven years at Auburn. Stein ought to have much more to work with in Gabriel, who has been much more productive over 5 years at two totally different applications, throwing 55 touchdowns in his two seasons at Oklahoma. Gabriel has two elite targets in Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart and may have one of many highest flooring of any participant in America. — Ubben

Spherical 1, Decide 3: WR Luther Burden, Missouri

A receiver because the third general decide? Properly, I might’ve gone chalk and picked Quinn Ewers, however I made a decision to not be boring. And Burden is something however boring. A five-star recruit who might’ve gone anyplace, he opted to remain dwelling at Missouri, put up large numbers when moved to the slot as a sophomore (86 catches, 1,212 yards, 9 touchdowns) and may high these this yr. He’s one of the best non-quarterback within the nation — until that’s the man I took with my second decide. — Emerson

Spherical 1, Decide 4: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

How on earth did you guys let Milroe fall to me at No. 4? He was a top-six vote-getter final yr, and the 5 guys forward of him are all within the NFL. And that was throughout an up-and-down first season as starter that noticed him benched in September. I count on Milroe to make a giant leap this season and put up greater numbers enjoying in Kalen DeBoer’s offense. So long as Alabama makes the Playoff, he’ll be in nice form. — Mandel

Spherical 1, Decide 5: QB Quinn Ewers, Texas

Getting Ewers at No. 5 seems like good worth. If Texas wins the SEC or comes shut, its veteran QB might be a giant cause. The Longhorns’ total assortment of beginning talent place expertise is new, so the third-year starter might be leaned upon to steer. If he steps as much as the problem, he ought to garner not less than an invite to New York Metropolis. — Khan

Spherical 1, Decide 6: QB Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee

Iamaleava couldn’t have confronted a harder take a look at in his first profession begin, and he handed it in excellent trend. In opposition to a tenacious Iowa protection within the Citrus Bowl, Iamaleava accomplished 12 of 19 passes for 151 yards and a landing and ran for 3 scores. The Hawkeyes rang up six sacks, however Iamaleava was poised and executed the Vols’ recreation plan in a 35-0 win. He has prototypical measurement (6-6, 215) and each different talent required of an elite quarterback. He simply wants expertise — and a few big-time SEC victories. — Dochterman

Spherical 1, Decide 7: WR/DB Travis Hunter, Colorado

The uber-talented Hunter performed extra snaps than any participant within the FBS final season regardless of lacking three-and-a-half video games, and he earned first-team All-America honors with 721 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns on offense and three interceptions on protection. Hopefully Colorado doesn’t have to make use of him as a lot, for the sake of his bodily well being, however he’s going to be a key participant on either side of the ball once more, and he enters 2024 with extra hype and expectation. If Colorado can not less than attain a bowl recreation, Hunter might be a giant cause for the development, and the Heisman hype will comply with. — Vannini

As soon as Hunter (who I believe will win this yr’s Heisman) went off the board, I made a decision my greatest wager was a dual-threat quarterback who has transferred to a outstanding program — that style of participant has taken dwelling the award in three of the final 5 years. Leonard isn’t the correct passer Sam Hartman was for many of his profession, however he’s powerful as hell and armed with higher receivers than Hartman had final yr in South Bend. If the Irish get previous Texas A&M within the opener they’ll seemingly be favored in each recreation the remainder of the way in which. Leonard’s final recreation earlier than Heisman ballots are due is at USC, which implies folks might be watching. — Navarro

Spherical 1, Decide 9: QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

I used to be very stunned Dart was nonetheless accessible. He’s the headliner for a legit CFP contender. I believe he’ll pile up gaudy stats within the first half of the season enjoying for an aggressive head coach in Lane Kiffin who would like to have a Heisman contender to promote to future recruits. After the season’s midpoint, Dart has a bunch of marquee video games (at LSU, at Oklahoma, dwelling towards Georgia). He has NFL instruments and a few good talent expertise round him. — Feldman

Spherical 2, Decide 1 (No. 10 general): QB Cam Ward, Miami

I believe Manny will actually remorse taking Leonard over Ward, particularly with the information this month that Notre Dame beginning left deal with Charles Jagusah is misplaced for the yr. I’m anticipating Ward to place a spark again into the Canes. He’s what they’ve been lacking as a playmaker and a pacesetter, and this would be the greatest O-line he’s performed behind in faculty. — Feldman

While you land the quarterback of the preseason No. 2 crew with the second decide within the second spherical, that’s good Heisman draft worth. Howard’s numbers towards eight FBS groups with successful data final season with Kansas State weren’t particular, however Chip Kelly is his offensive coordinator now, and Howard has oodles of weapons round him. If Ohio State wins at Oregon and finishes the common season unbeaten, I can’t think about a situation the place Howard isn’t not less than a Heisman finalist. — Navarro

Spherical 2, Decide 3 (No. 12 general): QB Avery Johnson, Kansas State

Johnson needed to come one decide after Will Howard, didn’t he? Folks round Kansas State imagine they stored the higher quarterback, and Johnson is able to shine as he takes over the beginning job. The twin-threat former top-100 recruit is depraved quick, as seen by his 10.1 yards per carry within the Pop-Tarts Bowl. He’ll want to enhance his accuracy and completion fee as a sophomore, however he didn’t throw an interception in 66 passes final yr. In a wide-open Large 12, Kansas State has pretty much as good a shot as anyone, and if the Wildcats are within the combine for a convention title, Johnson may very well be within the Heisman dialog. Or perhaps this can be a yr or two early. — Vannini

Spherical 2, Decide 4 (No. 13 general): RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

Is that this too early for a operating again? Derrick Henry was the final Heisman winner on the place, in 2015. Judkins goes to feast for Ohio State, which has one of the best 1-2 punch at operating again since perhaps Arkansas’ Felix Jones and Darren McFadden. Judkins was dinged up a bit final yr at Ole Miss, however the expertise is unquestionable. The one query is, will he get sufficient carries with TreVeyon Henderson round? — Dochterman

Spherical 2, Decide 5 (No. 14 general): RB Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State

Gordon led the FBS in dashing yards final season (1,732) and completed second in dashing TDs (21), and the Cowboys had been thrilled to get him again for an additional season. If he can take Oklahoma State again to the Large 12 championship recreation, he ought to get Heisman consideration. — Khan

Spherical 2, Decide 6 (No. 15 general): QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

One of many keys to successful a Heisman is identify recognition, and boy does this man have it, between his lofty NFL Draft inventory and umpteen NIL offers. Love or hate his dad, Shedeur is a particular expertise who accomplished 69.3 p.c of his passes for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns and three interceptions final season. And that was regardless of having the worst go safety within the nation. He’ll want higher blockers this fall, and most significantly, the Buffs must do significantly higher than 4-8. — Mandel

Spherical 2, Decide 7 (No. 16 general): WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

After taking Burden within the first spherical, why not double down at receiver? Egbuka missed three video games in 2023 and was restricted in others, however two years in the past when he was absolutely wholesome Egbuka put up 1,151 receiving yards. The Buckeyes have one other loaded group of go catchers, even with Marvin Harrison Jr. off to the NFL, however Egbuka is about as much as explode this fall in one of many nation’s greatest offenses. — Emerson

Spherical 2, Decide 8 (No. 17 general): QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

I purchased as a lot Nussmeier inventory as I might after seeing him let it rip towards Georgia in aid of Jayden Daniels within the SEC championship recreation two years in the past. He adopted that up with 395 yards and three scores in final yr’s bowl win over Wisconsin. Though he’ll take the reins as a first-year starter with a brand new offensive coordinator in Joe Sloan and co-OC Cortez Hankton and with out high wideouts Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers, the expertise is apparent. If Nussmeier can put up numbers and carry LSU into the Playoff in Brian Kelly’s third yr, he may discover himself in New York. — Ubben

Spherical 2, Decide 9 (No. 18 general): QB Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma

It is a decide based mostly on pedigree: Arnold’s and Oklahoma’s. The previous five-star recruit steps right into a beginning function after Gabriel’s switch to Oregon. Arnold appeared like a promising however unpolished true freshman in restricted motion final season, finishing 44 of 69 go makes an attempt (63.8 p.c) with 4 touchdowns and three picks. He does symbolize some vital change for the Sooners, who be part of the SEC this season and have a brand new offensive coordinator in Seth Littrell. It’s asking numerous a sophomore and first-year starter within the SEC to be in Heisman rivalry. But when the Sooners handle to thrive this season, an Arnold emergence is the almost certainly situation. — Williams

There’s precedent for Seminoles coach Mike Norvell turning switch quarterbacks into Heisman candidates. Jordan Travis had extra years within the system, however Uiagalelei has the expertise and bodily traits to drag off a leap just like the one Travis made throughout his closing two years in Tallahassee. Uiagalelei was strong however nonetheless streaky in his lone season at Oregon State. If Norvell can absolutely unlock the apparent expertise and Uiagalelei can enhance his effectivity, retaining a reloaded Seminoles squad within the Playoff hunt might earn him some Heisman buzz. — Williams

Spherical 3, Decide 2 (No. 20 general): QB Miller Moss, USC

Caleb Williams is gone, however Lincoln Riley remains to be very a lot in Los Angeles, and so is all-purpose menace Zachariah Department. The Trojans added Woody Marks from Mississippi State to beef up the run recreation that can help USC’s new beginning QB, who threw six touchdowns within the bowl recreation after Williams started the draft course of. Do you know Spencer Rattler is the one quarterback beneath Riley’s tutelage because the coach joined an influence program to not throw for not less than 30 touchdowns and three,000 yards in each season as starter? — Ubben

Spherical 3, Decide 3 (No. 21 general): QB Brady Cook dinner, Missouri

Now I’ll double down on Missouri’s offense, after taking Burden within the first spherical. Cook dinner often is the most underrated quarterback within the SEC. He threw for the fourth-most passing yards final yr behind Beck, Daniels and Dart, and this yr he nonetheless has Burden and Theo Wease. Missouri’s schedule is fortuitous sufficient — avoiding Georgia, Texas and Ole Miss — to see the Tigers going 11-1 and Cook dinner getting the credit score. — Emerson

Spherical 3, Decide 4 (No. 22 general): RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

I understand I’m not even taking the primary Ohio State operating again on this draft, however Henderson and Quinshon Judkins might each run for a ton of yards in Chip Kelly’s offense. Of the 2, Henderson is extra explosive and prone to rack up a bunch of Heisman highlights. I’m beneath no delusion he’s going to truly win the Heisman, however he may very well be good for a top-10 end. — Mandel

Spherical 3, Decide 5 (No. 23 general): QB Conner Weigman, Texas A&M

The previous five-star recruit has performed simply 5 video games in his Texas A&M profession. He closed out the 2022 season after accidents to the quarterbacks forward of him on the depth chart and had a promising begin to 2023 earlier than an damage reduce it quick. If he can keep wholesome and A&M’s entrance can go shield — one thing it has completed a poor job of within the final two seasons — Weigman has the potential to be one of many higher quarterbacks within the SEC. Dane Brugler has him fourth amongst 2025 NFL Draft-eligible passers. If A&M can form an uber-talented roster right into a darkish horse Playoff contender, it doesn’t appear out of the query for Weigman to get some Heisman buzz. — Khan

Spherical 3, Decide 6 (No. 24 general): QB Cam Rising, Utah

This seems like a third-round steal. Rising led the Utes to consecutive Pac-12 titles in 2021 and ’22 however sat out final yr after tearing knee ligaments in Utah’s second consecutive Rose Bowl look. Now, Utah shifts to the Large 12, and large numbers might await Rising and the Utes’ offense. — Dochterman

Spherical 3, Decide 7 (No. 25 general): QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas

We all know Daniels will be an electrical participant — he simply wants to remain wholesome. He has by no means performed greater than 9 video games in a season, together with simply three in 2023. Hopefully that modifications this yr, as a result of he’s bought a crew round him that would make a run. The Jayhawks are a preseason Prime 25 crew, and in the event that they take cost of a wide-open Large 12, Daniels might be a key issue. — Vannini

Spherical 3, Decide 8 (No. 26 general): QB Noah Fifita, Arizona

Fifita’s QB ranking in 2023 (165.92) is seventh-best amongst returning FBS quarterbacks. He tied Beck for the fourth-best completion share in faculty soccer final season (72.4). He returns among the finest receivers within the nation in Tetairoa McMillan. Sure, the Wildcats are in a brand new convention and have a brand new coach. But when Arizona has one other stellar season, Fifita and McMillan are going to get the vast majority of the credit score and numerous narrative love for not leaving this system by way of the switch portal. That’s a robust solution to earn a spot within the Heisman race. — Navarro

Spherical 3, Decide 9 (No. 27 general): WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

I used to be actually hoping Weigman would nonetheless be right here on the finish of the third spherical, however I’m proud of Jeremiah Smith. I get that he’s a freshman and a receiver, however he’s a uncommon expertise. Folks I belief at Ohio State are having a tough time containing their pleasure about him and what they’ve seen from him since he arrived. I don’t know if a first-year wideout who doesn’t return kicks can win the Heisman right now, however I do assume he can get to the ceremony and end within the high three or 4 if individuals are satisfied he’s essentially the most proficient participant on one of the best crew. — Feldman

Spherical 4, Decide 1 (No. 28 general): QB Dylan Raiola, Nebraska

I waffled on my final decide between Ashton Jeanty, Kyron Drones and Dylan Raiola. I opted for the Huskers’ freshman quarterback as a result of I believe Nebraska might be a lot improved this fall and Raiola has the flexibility to be a program-changer. — Feldman

Spherical 4, Decide 2 (No. 29 general): QB Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech

It’s Yr 3 for Brent Pry in Blacksburg, and Drones is completely positioned to be the frontman of an amazing comeback story after shining in Virginia Tech’s bowl win over Tulane. The Hokies are a darkish horse to win the ACC and have a loaded receiver room. I’m very proud of this decide. — Navarro

Spherical 4, Decide 3 (No. 30 general): QB Byrum Brown, USF

Brown has received the Heisman Trophy a number of occasions in my School Soccer 25 dynasties, so why not in actual life? I do know it’s extremely unlikely a Group of 5 participant will ever win the Heisman, however solely two gamers in 2023 handed for not less than 3,000 yards and ran for 800: Brown and Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. If Brown can take one other massive step ahead in his second season beneath Bulls coach Alex Golesh and stand out in nonconference video games towards Alabama and Miami, who is aware of? — Vannini

4 defensive linemen have completed second in Heisman voting: Aidan Hutchinson in 2021, Hugh Inexperienced in 1980, Tom Brown in 1960 and Alex Karras in 1957. Can Carter be part of that class? It will depend on whether or not he can grow to be a Micah Parsons-like pressure this yr, as some in Comfortable Valley assume. The transfer from linebacker to defensive finish ought to generate sacks, which can garner consideration. However as with Ndamukong Suh in 2009, Carter will in all probability fall simply quick even when he’s the nation’s most excellent participant. — Dochterman

Spherical 4, Decide 5 (No. 32 general): RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan

Getting one of many EA Sports activities School Soccer 25 cowl athletes this late within the draft seems like a steal. We’ve seen Edwards’ potential, from his 216-yard efficiency towards Ohio State in 2022 to his starring function within the nationwide championship recreation towards Washington. However final yr was turbulent for Edwards. With out Blake Corum and different veteran leaders from the Wolverines’ championship squad, Edwards might be appeared to as a pacesetter. Can this be the yr he places all of it collectively? — Khan

Spherical 4, Decide 6 (No. 33 general): WR Tez Johnson, Oregon

I figured I’d take a late-round flier on a man who might win the Biletnkioff. Johnson caught 86 passes for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns final season whereas largely working within the shadow of more-established star Troy Franklin. He figures to be the Geese’ No. 1 man this fall in what needs to be one other explosive passing offense led by Gabriel. — Mandel

Spherical 4, Decide 7 (No. 34 general): Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

Sometime the voters will sensible up and select one of the best participant within the nation, even when he performs protection. Will this be the yr? In fact not. However let’s be a cockeyed optimist anyway. Pearce begins ought to enhance on his 9.5 sacks from final yr and also will put collectively some viral highlights, the type that get you Heisman buzz … proper up till a few quarterbacks emerge. — Emerson

Liberty’s blowout Fiesta Bowl loss to Oregon might overwhelm the respect the Flames can earn amongst many onlookers, however coach Jamey Chadwell is among the most revolutionary offensive minds within the sport, and his crew has a superb opportunity to go 13-0 once more and win the C-USA. Salter is an electrifying dual-threat quarterback who fuels that offense. Liberty will face questions on its schedule once more, but it surely does journey to Appalachian State in nonconference play, the place Salter can cement himself as one of the best participant within the Group of 5. — Ubben

The reigning Mountain West Offensive Participant of the Yr completed within the high ten in dashing yards per recreation final season (112.3) and second within the nation behind Gordon in whole yards from scrimmage (1,916). The Broncos are one of many favorites to earn the Group of 5 Playoff spot out of the Mountain West, and Jeanty could have some marquee regular-season showcases towards Oregon and the Pac-2. — Williams

(Prime illustration photographs: Christopher Creveling, John David Mercer / USA Right this moment)