Heisman watch: Jalen Milroe leads all contenders

This story was updated to correct a typo.

Week 5 of the 2024 college football season has concluded with movement in the Heisman Trophy race.

Four of the top six contenders are quarterbacks, including Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

Colorado standout Travis Hunter and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty made a jump to reach the top six, surpassing several quarterbacks that were ahead of them the week prior. Nico Iamaleava saw a slight drop after being on a bye week with Tennessee while Jackson Dart slid down after a loss to Kentucky.

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Jalen Milroe takes the lead

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe made the jump from third (+700) to Heisman favorite (+175) in a 24-hour span after a strong first half against No. 1 Georgia.

Milroe had a fast start, scoring the first two touchdowns to provide Alabama with a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Milroe helped seal the 41-34 victory with a pass to receiver Ryan Williams for a 75-yard touchdown with 2:18 left in the fourth quarter.

He completed 27 of 33 passes for 374 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Milroe also rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

Who else is near the top of the rankings?

With Milroe taking the lead, Ward takes a step back and now finds himself second.

The Miami quarterback led his team in a close victory over Virginia Tech on Friday but did not have his strongest outing. Ward finished the night completing 24 of 38 passes for 343 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 57 yards and a score.

Colorado’s Travis Hunter saw his stock improve after striking a Heisman pose after an interception against UCF on Saturday afternoon.

Ashton Jeanty remains a player to watch

The Boise State running back is a player to keep an eye on going forward. Jeanty made the biggest jump over the past week, from tied for eighth (+2000) on Sept. 20 to fourth on Sept. 29.

He is the only FBS player this season with four rushing touchdowns in multiple games this season. Jeanty rushed for 259 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries in a 45-24 victory over Washington State.