The winner of the 2024 Heisman Trophy—awarded annually since 1935 to the top player in college football—is set to be announced this coming Saturday, December 14.
The Heisman Trophy, widely considered to be the most prestigious honor in all of college football, was created by the Downtown Athletic Club—a private and social club in New York City that operated from 1926 to 2002. Originally named the "Downtown Athletic Club Trophy," the award was renamed to the "Heisman Trophy" in 1936 following the club's director—John Heisman.
As for the physical trophy, a sculpture of a football player throwing a stiff-arm sits atop a base with the entire structure weighing about 45 pounds. The original sculptor, Frank Eliscu, modeled the player after former NYU running back Ed Smith. Many associate the signature "Heisman pose" from the trophy with the award. Former Michigan wide receiver Desmond Howard, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1992, famously struck the post during the Wolverines' 31–3 win over Ohio State that season.
Heisman Trophy Ceremony Schedule
There will be an entire weekend of events leading up to the 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony hosted by ESPN personalities Kevin Negandhi, Holly Rowe and Neil Everett. Events include a Heisman Weekend Welcome Reception and a Heisman Legends Brunch.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 14.
Where is the Heisman Trophy Awarded?
The 2024 Heisman Trophy will be awarded at the Jazz at Lincoln Center, located at 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY. This ceremony has been hosted here since 2021.
From 1935 to 2000, the trophy presentation was hosted at NYC's Downtown Athletic Club. It has since been hosted at the New York Marriott Marquis, The Yale Club of New York City, Hilton New York, Palladium Times Square—and most recently at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
The only time the trophy presentation did not take place in New York City was in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alabama WR DeVonta Smith was awarded the trophy virtually from ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut.
How to Watch the Heisman Trophy Ceremony
The 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony will air on ESPN starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 14. It can also be watched online on WatchESPN and ESPN+.
What to Expect During the Ceremony
While the Heisman Trophy ceremony is set to start at 8 p.m., the winner of the award won't be announced until the back half of the eight o'clock hour.
Hosted by ESPN, the hour-long ceremony will offer commentary, stories, and video packages about the finalists' journeys to New York City—including interviews with the players and their families.
Additionally, you can expect to see many past winners, as they are all invited to the annual ceremony and stand on stage while the newest winner is announced and gives their acceptance speech.
Past winners who often attend the ceremony include Desmond Howard, Steve Spurrier, Doug Flutie, Tim Tebow and Mark Ingram among others.
Who Are the 2024 Heisman Trophy Finalists?
The 2024 Heisman Trophy finalists are Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty and Miami QB Cam Ward.
Below is a look at their stats over the 2024 season. For an in-depth look at each of the candidates, click here.
QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
2024 stats:
- 3,558 yards, 28 TD, 6 INT, 86.5 QBR
- 63 carries, 192 yards, 7 TD
WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
2024 stats:
- 92 receptions, 1,152 yards, 14 TD
- 31 tackles, 4 INT, 11 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
2024 stats:
- 344 carries, 2,497 yards (7.3 YPC), 29 TD
- 20 receptions, 116 receiving yards, 1 TD
QB Cam Ward, Miami
2024 stats:
- 4,123 yards, 36 TD, 7 INT, 88.0 QBR
- 58 carries, 196 yards, 4 TD
Full List of Past Heisman Trophy Winners
More of the Latest Around College Football
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Heisman Trophy Award Ceremony Schedule, Location & How to Watch.
