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Is There Really a Clear Heisman Candidate?

Bryce Young, Matt Coral, or The Field: Is There Really a Clear Heisman Candidate?


By Liam Willerup

University of Miami

    The most profound award in all of college football, the Heisman trophy. Last year we saw the rare occurrence of a wide receiver winning this award, as Alabama wideout DeVonta Smith scored 24 TDs on over 1800 scrimmage yards. However this season, as we are more than halfway through the season there isn't anyone that jumps off the board as a clear favorite. There hasn't been a candidate that has had a true Heisman defining game, such as last year when DeVonta Smith had 203 yards and 4 TDs versus Mississippi State or Joe Burrow when he dismantled Oklahoma in the playoffs. And even if these players this year didn't have a Heisman moment, they haven't had any crazy statistical seasons. If anything this season has been filled with teams and their star players failing to win games. It seemed like Ole Miss had a true Heisman winner in Matt Coral, but failed to lead his team to a victory after losing by 21 to Alabama. On the flip side there is there is Alabama QB Bryce Young, who despite having a good season so far, will have the blemish on his resume of losing to an unranked Texas A&M team on the road. So with it being up in the air between the #1 and #2 players in terms of odds, who else could I see winning the Heisman? Let's take a look.

Kenny Pickett | Quarterback | Pitt


    A player who has truly come out of nowhere from a defensive-heavy school, University of Pittsburgh's QB Kenny Pickett is an intriguing pick to walk away with this award. A remarkable 23:1 TD to INT ratio and 9th in the country in passing yard, Pickett could find a way to win this award. How must you ask? Well, hopefully nobody "Pick"etts him and he keeps that ratio looking how it is, but a potential ACC Championship game against Wake Forest could help his chances drastically. Wake has been atop a disappointing ACC this year, and at an undefeated record right now a matchup in the ACC Championship where Pickett leads his team to a victory could boost his odds tremendously. Well Pickett would need to make sure to win out the rest of the season, and could his Heisman defining moment in a game that could propel Pitt well into the Top 10 in the country.

Kenneth Walker III | Running Back | Michigan State


    Again a player from not the most flashy program in the nation, the undefeated Spartans have found themselves inside the Top 10 in the nation after an impressive season to date. Perhaps the strongest schedule in the nation to end the season, Walker will be looked towards to lead the charge as Michigan State looks to keep playoff hopes alive. Ending the season with #6 Michigan, #5 Ohio State, #20 Penn State and two solid Big 10 opponents in Purdue and Maryland, this team will be tested to the fullest. Walker has looked like one of the best backs in the nation, and upsetting both Michigan and Ohio State could not only bring his team to the playoffs, but bring him to the top of the Heisman voting.

C.J. Stroud | Quarterback | Ohio State


    I mean zero disrespect when I say this but I don't know if Stroud has a chance to win this Heisman in the eyes of the media. Heading into a matchup against the Nittany Lions when they have yet to beat a ranked opponent this season, Stroud will look to change that narrative and continue the greatness at Ohio State. Finishing the season with 3 Top 20 ranked teams, electric performances from Stroud could put him on the mantel. However he too has a blemish on his season losing to an Oregon team that wasn't expected to win that game at all. Upsetting rivals Michigan and putting an end to the Spartans' run might give some consideration for Stroud. If Stroud can't pull it off, Buckeye fans are going to begin to push aside Stroud and welcome in generational prospect Quinn Ewers under center.

Sam Hartman | Quarterback | Wake Forest


    But perhaps the most unlikely of the bunch is Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman. First of all, this team wasn't even expected to be in the Top 3 of this division, never the less be at the top spot undefeated in the nation. Have they really beat any good teams? No, not a single ranked team. But that will for sure have to be the case if they want to win the ACC. As mentioned earlier, Wake Forest looks positioned to face Pitt in the ACC Championship game, where the teams will duke it out for the rights of the ACC Champion. If Wake Forest is able to go undefeated the rest of the season and win the Championship game, do we need to consider him as a finalist. With a 19:3 TD to INT ratio and plenty of room to grow those stats these next weeks, he could help his case with winning out and making this team finish potentially Top 6-8 in the country. A Hail Mary at +5000, would you ride with it?





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