Top 5 Heisman contenders from Big 12 conference in 2024 ft. Avery Johnson
It's a new look ahead for the Big 12 in 2024. But the league's tradition of high-octane offenses looks destined to continue. The Big 12 could end up with a massive role in the Heisman Trophy race. A bunch of standout QBs look like potential impact players in the Big 12 race, the College Football Playoff and even the Heisman vote.
Here are five Big 12 contenders for the Heisman Trophy to keep an eye on.
Top 5 Heisman contenders from Big 12 in 2024
#5. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
A two-year star at Jackson State who followed his father to Colorado, Shedeur has a history of productivity. In three college seasons, Sanders has thrown for 10,213 yards and 97 touchdowns. He had 3,230 passing yards, 27 scores and just three interceptions last year at Colorado.
The question on Sanders is about team success. Last year, Colorado was 4-8. The Buffaloes certainly have to be much better to put their QB into the Heisman Trophy race.
#4. Cam Rising, Utah
Defenses don't slow Rising, but injuries certainly have. He's 25 years old and began his career by redshirting at Texas in 2018. Rising suffered a shoulder injury after throwing just six passes in 2020 and missed the rest of the year. Then he missed all of last year after tearing up his knee in the Rose Bowl.
When he's on the field though, Rising is tough. He has thrown for 5,572 yards and 46 scores in basically two seasons. He rushed for another 12 touchdowns. Utah figures to make some noise in the Big 12 and as long as Rising is healthy, he'll be in the middle of that.
#3. Noah Fifita, Arizona
A year ago, Fifita took the helm of the Wildcat offense late in Week 4. From there, he threw for 2,869 yards and 25 scores. Arizona ended the season with a seven-game winning streak as Fifita had a brilliant freshman season.
The conference shift could make things interesting for Fifita. He already was an excellent passer and another year of maturity will likely only help his skills. If the Wildcats can hang around the top of the Big 12, Fifita will likely get some Heisman talk.
#2. Jalon Daniels, Kansas
What could be more natural? A year after Jayden Daniels won the Heisman, Jalon Daniels could win the Heisman. The Kansas signal-caller is a legitimate contender. Daniels, like Cam Rising, has had some injury issues. Last season, he was hurt before the season began and aggravated the injury after playing just three games.
But when he has played, Daniels has been great. He passed for 2,014 yards and 18 scores in 2022 and had 705 yards and five scores in his abbreviated 2023 campaign. Kansas's rags to riches story is a great one and Daniels, who was lightly recruited out of high school, could be the face of college football's Cinderella squad.
#1. Avery Johnson, Kansas State
Johnson will take over at K-State now that Will Howard has transferred to Ohio State. Johnson is a dual-threat athlete. He passed for 479 yards and five scores in just 66 attempts. He also rushed for 296 yards and seven scores, including a five-TD rushing day against Texas Tech.
Johnson is currently Las Vegas' bet with the best odds to win the Heisman despite starting his first game in Kansas State's bowl game. That kind of faith should speak volumes about his athleticism and talent.
Which Big 12 Heisman hopeful are you looking forward to watching in 2024? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.