After a thrilling weekend of college football action, the race for the Heisman Trophy is heating up! Experts at On3 have been closely monitoring standout performances and consistency from week to week, leading to a consensus top four candidates. Let’s dive into the latest rankings and see who is making waves in this prestigious race.
Top Candidates for the Heisman Trophy
The On3 national experts have compiled their ballots, ranking the top 10 players based on their performances this season. Each expert submitted their top 10, and points were awarded accordingly—10 points for a first-place vote, nine for second, and so on. The results are in, and the excitement is palpable!
Leading the charge is the dynamic two-way star from Colorado, who continues to impress despite a recent loss to Kansas. Hunter caught eight passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 1,036 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. On the defensive side, he recorded a season-high seven tackles. It’s no surprise that he’s the consensus No. 1 among the On3 experts.
Rising Stars Making Their Mark
Following closely behind is Jeanty from Boise State, who showcased his skills in a nail-biting victory over Wyoming. Despite being shaken up during the game, he managed to rack up 19 carries for 169 yards and a touchdown, pushing his season total over 2,000 yards. With two challenging games ahead, including a showdown with Oregon State and the Mountain West title game, Jeanty is a key player to watch as the Broncos aim for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Cam Ward from Washington State continues to deliver impressive performances. In a game against Wake Forest, he threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for another score. As long as Miami can secure a win against Syracuse next week, Ward will have the opportunity to shine on a big stage and potentially shake up the Heisman race.
Consistency is Key
Oregon’s Gabriel had a bye this week, preparing for the final regular season contest. Although he plays for an undefeated team, he still needs that signature moment to solidify his Heisman hopes. A strong performance in the upcoming Big Ten title game could be exactly what he needs to challenge Hunter’s lead.
Another player making waves is Warren from Penn State, who has been a powerhouse all season. He logged eight catches for 102 yards against Minnesota, bringing his season totals to 910 receiving yards and five touchdowns, alongside 157 rushing yards and four scores. Despite not being as recognized as some of his peers, Warren’s production is undeniable.
Dual-Threat Quarterbacks Shine
At SMU, Kevin Jennings has led his team to a 10-1 record, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. With 2,521 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, plus 315 rushing yards and four touchdowns, Jennings is proving to be a versatile asset. His performance has garnered attention as the Mustangs enter the playoff spotlight.
Sampson from UTEP has also been a standout, running for 1,307 yards and 22 touchdowns this season. Although his six-game streak of 100-plus yard performances was snapped recently, he remains a formidable contender. To make a strong case for the Heisman, he’ll need to deliver an exceptional performance against Vanderbilt.
Emerging Contenders
Leonard from Indiana has been a consistent performer, throwing for 1,937 yards and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for 671 yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to contribute both through the air and on the ground makes him one of the more productive dual-threat quarterbacks in college football.
Skattebo from Arizona State has seen a resurgence in his performance, highlighted by a 147-yard, three-touchdown game against BYU. With five games of at least 100 yards rushing this season, including a staggering 262-yard outing against Mississippi State, he’s putting himself on the Heisman radar as the Sun Devils eye a potential playoff spot.
Impact of Recent Performances
Rourke, who had been hovering around the No. 5 to No. 6 spot in Heisman polling, faced a setback with a disappointing performance against Ohio State. Completing only 8-of-18 passes for 68 yards without a touchdown, his team still boasts a 10-1 record and a chance at the College Football Playoff. While Rourke’s recent outing may have hurt his chances, his overall contributions cannot be overlooked.
Others Receiving Heisman Trophy Votes
Several other players are also making their mark in the Heisman race. Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, Ricky White III from UNLV, and Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State are all receiving votes, showcasing their talents and contributions to their respective teams. Additionally, top pass-rushers like Kyle Kennard from South Carolina and Abdul Carter from Penn State are rounding out the list, proving that the race for the Heisman Trophy is as competitive as ever.
As the season progresses, the excitement continues to build. With key matchups on the horizon, these players will be looking to solidify their Heisman credentials and make a lasting impact on college football history. Who will rise to the occasion? Only time will tell!
