Crazy but true stat: Six of the last eight Heisman Trophy winners have been transfers.
Since the NCAA transfer portal officially launched during the 2018 season, it’s become rather common for highly skilled players (particularly quarterbacks) to leave one school for another and find greater success at their new destination.
Here are three current transfer quarterbacks considered among the favorites to win the 2024 Heisman.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
The Oklahoma transfer finished last season at the top of the Big 12 passing leaderboard with 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns. Joining head coach Dan Lanning and an enhanced offense in Eugene, Ore. will set him up nicely to improve upon those numbers and make a serious case to be a Heisman finalist.
Gabriel is also currently eighth in all-time FBS passing yards and has an excellent opportunity this year to reach the top. He’ll need 4,358 passing yards this season to pass Case Keenum for first place.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
Ewers transferred to Texas from Ohio State in 2022 before deciding to return with aspirations for another run at the national championship after coming up short with the Longhorns in the 2023-24 College Football Playoff semifinals. He finished behind only Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel in Big 12 passing yards and was fourth in touchdowns last season.
With Texas entering its first year in the SEC, Ewers should wield more Heisman credibility if he can reproduce or improve upon last year’s numbers. Of course, threatening for the SEC title wouldn’t hurt either.
Will Howard, Ohio State
Howard arrived in Columbus, Ohio, by way of Kansas State and officially took the reins at starting quarterback upon the departure of last year’s starter, Kyle McCord. Despite finishing sixth in the Big 12 in passing yards last season, Howard was second in touchdown passes.
As is the case for the above-mentioned Gabriel’s situation, Howard is inheriting a new offense — now run by former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly — featuring the likes of wideout Emeka Egbuka and running back TreVeyon Henderson. Expect to see Howard in New York City for the Heisman ceremony in December.
Honorable Mentions:
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: Sanders — who transferred from Jackson State on the heels of his father, Deion, taking the Colorado head-coaching gig in 2023 — will only have a real shot at the Heisman if his offensive line can prevent a repeat of its FBS-leading sacks-allowed total from last season and if dual-threat Travis Hunter can stay healthy.
Cam Ward, Miami: The Washington State transfer could be a wild card in the Heisman conversation if the hype surrounding the Hurricanes translates into actually contending for a College Football Playoff spot.
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame: Transferring from Duke usually doesn’t insert a player into the Heisman conversation but Leonard has a unique opportunity to thrive and surprise some voters if he can stat-pad during what should be a relatively easy schedule for The Fighting Irish.