Top 5 Heisman contenders from Big Ten Conference in 2024 ft. Dillon Gabriel
The new and improved Big Ten is expected to be a significant national presence in 2024. That extends to the Heisman race, where a ton of the nation's top QBs will come from the Big Ten. The combination of the right player on the right team could result in the league's first Heisman winner since Troy Smith in 2006.
Here are the top five Heisman candidates from the Big Ten.
Top 5 Heisman contenders from the Big Ten Conference in 2024
#5. Julian Sayin, Ohio State
A top recruit at Alabama, Sayin transferred to Ohio State. While it's something near a foregone conclusion that Will Howard will be OSU's starting quarterback, Sayin is worth a moment of consideration. Ryan Day insisted that the QB competition remains open.
Of course, Sayin might beat out Howard due to injury rather than effectiveness. In the modern era of football, the backup QB can be one of the most important players on a team. If Sayin gets a shot in 2024, he may just prove why that is.
#4. Miller Moss, USC
Moss backed up Caleb Williams and did not get to see regular action till the Holiday Bowl. In his USC career to date, Moss has 914 yards in 92 attempts, with nine touchdowns against a single interception. Moss passed for 372 yards and six scores in the Holiday Bowl.
USC had a mildly underachieving year in 2023. If Moss and the Trojans can get a good start in the Big Ten, he could well find himself being a legitimate Heisman candidate.
#3. Drew Allar, Penn State
The Penn State passer could find himself in the middle of the Heisman discussion this fall. A year ago, in his first season as a starter, Allar threw for 2,631 yards and 25 touchdowns against just two interceptions. He also added four rushing scores.
Allar runs the show for perhaps the most underrated team in the Big Ten. James Franklin's Nittany Lions have long lingered on the verge of excellence. With a little luck and a few big game performances, Allar could march PSU into the thick of the Big Ten race, which would lift him into Heisman contention.
#2. Will Howard, Ohio State
A transfer from Kansas State, Howard is a dynamic playmaker who has played well in his prior career. A year ago, Howard passed for 2,643 yards and 25 scores, while rushing for another 351 yards and nine touchdowns.
Ohio State should have an embarrassment of riches across its program. If Howard can get the Buckeyes through the Big Ten gauntlet, he'll certainly be a player discussed for the Heisman Trophy.
#1. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Now onto his third school, Gabriel has starred at UCF and Oklahoma. In his college career, Gabriel has thrown for 14,865 yards and 125 touchdowns. That includes 3,660 yards and 30 scores last year with the Sooners.
Gabriel rushed for an additional 1,060 yards and 26 scores on the ground. His ability is nearly unmatched in college football. Given the keys to a dynamic Oregon program, Gabriel is ready to roll in 2024.
Which Big Ten stars do you think are Heisman candidates? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.