This is one of the first years in recent memory where many people are struggling to pick a front runner for the Heisman but mainly because no candidates have been impressive on a week to week basis. College football is loaded with talent due to the senior exception plus we saw the faces of the sport depart for the NFL. Fair warning, no defensive player is on the list because the voters have proven time after time they will not give the trophy to a defensive player. I am going to take a shot at what I believe are the current top five rankings for this year’s Heisman trophy. Make sure to tell me where I am wrong.
1 – Bryce Young (QB, Alabama) – Bryce Young has been consistent this season. Maybe our expectations have been set too high. He is at the top of our list because he has limited his mistakes with only 3 interceptions on the year while throwing for 28 touchdowns. Young is a mobile quarterback but he only has 18 rushing yards on the season. He ranks second in the country in QB Rating and fourth in touchdown passes. He will need to be impressive against Arkansas and Auburn in order to keep this position. The potential matchup against Georgia in the SEC championship could make or break his case.
2 – Kenneth Walker (RB, Michigan State) – If the Heisman Trophy was not a quarterback driven award Kenneth Walker would be the leader. The Wake Forest transfer has been nothing short of amazing. Walker has rushed for 1,330 yards with 15 touchdowns. When Michigan State played arch rival Michigan, Walker showed up and had his best game. The Michigan State stud rushed for 197 yards and five touchdowns. Walker has remaining games against Maryland, Ohio State and Penn State to help boost his resume.
3 – Matt Corral (QB, Ole Miss) – We have seen Matt Corral utilize his legs more this season and become even more dangerous on the ground. In the Rebel’s two losses, Corral has been less than stellar. On the season Corral has 16 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns to only two interceptions. The Rebels play Texas A&M today which is Corral’s last major game to showcase his ability. The Rebels also need to win their last three games in order for Corral to have a chance at winning the Heisman.
4 – CJ Stroud (QB Ohio State) – The Ohio State quarterback has seen a season full of ups and downs. Stroud has averaged over 330 passing yards per game. Stroud recently struggled against Nebraska throwing two of his five interceptions but also threw for 405 yards. Stroud leads the county in QB Rating and has the best schedule remaining in order to impress voters. The Buckeyes face Purdue, Michigan State and Michigan. If they win out, they would also play in the Big Ten championship which could result in four straight ranked opponents.
5 – Kenny Pickett (QB, Pitt) – Kenny Pickett came back for his super senior year and has put it to good use. Pickett has Pitt at 7-2 including wins over Clemson and North Carolina. Pickett holds a 32-4 touchdown to interception ratio. He is also third in the country in passing yards with 3,517 yards. The super senior quarterback has also shown to use his legs as a weapon. Pickett has totaled 231 yards on the ground with 4 touchdowns. Pitt has remaining games against Syracuse and Virginia with the potential of making the ACC championship. Pickett will need to show out in order to have a shot at the Heisman.
Honorable Mentions: Caleb Williams (QB, Oklahoma), TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State), Sam Hartman (QB, Wake Forest), David Bell (WR, Purdue), Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas), Jordan Davis (DL, Georgia)
