3 reasons why Shedeur Sanders may not win 2024 Heisman Trophy
Shedeur Sanders has had an incredible season under center for the Colorado Buffaloes. The former three-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class initially joined the Jackson State Tigers before following his father Deion Sanders to the Buffaloes via the transfer portal ahead of the 2023 season.
While he showed that he was ready for FBS-level play with a strong season, many continued to question his ability leading into this year. Sanders has responded in magnificent fashion, as he has 3,222 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions through the first 10 games. He has completed 72.9% of his passes while adding four rushing touchdowns.
More impressively, he has led Colorado to an 8-2 start as they control their own path to the College Football Playoff. The Buffaloes starting quarterback projects as a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL draft, however, his +25000 Heisman Trophy odds are tied for eighth-best in the nation.
Here's a closer look at three reasons why Shedeur Sanders may not win college football's most prestigious award.
3 reasons why Shedeur Sanders may not win 2024 Heisman Trophy
#1. Travis Hunter
While Shedeur Sanders ranked tied for the eighth-best Heisman Trophy odds, his teammate Travis Hunter is a -400 favorite to win the prestigious award. The Colorado Buffaloes two-way star has caught 74 passes for 911 yards and nine touchdowns, adding one rushing touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, teams have hardly targeted his side of the field. Hunter has recorded 24 total tackles, 17 of which were solo tackles, one tackle for loss, three interceptions, one game-winning forced fumble and eight passes defended. Playing with such an elite two-way player would overshadow just about any player.
#2. Cam Ward
Cam Ward has the third-best Heisman Trophy odds and the best odds of any quarterback, trailing only two-way star Travis Hunter and Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty. The Miami (FL) Hurricanes quarterback has been the best and most impactful signal caller this season.
He leads the nation in both passing yards and touchdowns, having thrown for 3,494 yards, 32 touchdowns and six interceptions through 10 games. Ward has completed 66.8% of his passes while adding 182 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 50 carries. He has also led the Hurricanes to a 9-1 record and the best offense in the nation.
#3. The Colorado Buffaloes defense has improved
The Colorado Buffaloes defense allowed 34.8 points per game last season, ranking No. 124 in the nation. They have taken a major step forward on that side of the ball, allowing just 22.7 ppg, which ranks No. 50.
If the Buffaloes were sitting at 8-2 with one of the worst defensive units in the nation, Shedeur Sanders would be receiving much more credit for their 8-2 start. Instead, due to their defensive improvement, it has been looked at as a team effort.