Ahmad Hardy of Missouri is the nation's leading rusher and in the Heisman race (Photo by Missouri Athletics)
The Heisman picture is getting clearer with each passing week. Stars from the nation’s top teams are making moments that could lead to one of them hoisting the most prestigious individual award in sports!
Heisman Top 5
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, Quarterback, Junior
Indiana is having the best two seasons in their football program’s history and are nationally relevant. Their quarterback play has been the biggest reason why, and Fernando Mendoza is having an even better season than the Hoosiers did last year when they made the College Football Playoff. Mendoza is 89 of 122 for 1,208 yards and 16 touchdowns passing with two rushing. The matchup between him and Dante Moore coming up soon will be felt across the college football world.
Dante Moore, Oregon, Quarterback, Sophomore
Moore has picked up where Dillon Gabriel left off. Oregon is in the best shape they’ve ever been as a program. They’re defending their Big Ten Championship very well, and it’s because of the play of their quarterback. Moore just had a good game against Penn State and will have another big opponent next when Oregon hosts Indiana. Moore is 100 of 134 for 1,210 yards and 14 touchdown passes.
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee, Wide Receiver, Junior
If Tennessee had beaten Georgia behind Brazzell’s ridiculous good game against the Dawgs, he could be the frontrunner. Still, he’s one of the top five right now because he just keeps producing and Tennessee keeps scoring and staying relevant. Brazzell has 31 catches for 531 yards and seven touchdowns.
Ahmad Hardy, Missouri, Running Back, Sophomore
The surprise of the season, Hardy is America’s leading rusher, both in yards and touchdowns. He is a big part of why Mizzou is 5-0. Hardy is the second elite back the Tigers have had in the past three years. Cam Schroeder and now Ahmad Hardy in Columbia. Hardy has 103 carries for 730 yards, 7.1 per carry, and nine touchdowns. He’ll have a chance for a Heisman moment when Missouri takes the field next when they host Alabama.
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt, Quarterback, Senior
Pavia’s Heisman chances hinge on him winning on the road this weekend and beating Alabama for the second straight season. He pulls that off, and he might just become the favorite. Pavia is 94 of 126 for 1,211 yards and 13 passing touchdowns. Diego Pavia is also a threat to run the ball. He has 48 carries for 294 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
In the Race
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, Wide Receiver, Sophomore
Smith has been his usual great self for Ohio State and the #1 Buckeyes are winning because of him. That’s what matters most to Smith and Ohio State. But the conservative game plan for Ohio State against Texas and Washington has hurt Smith’s Heisman chances. He’s done enough to stay in the race and be Ryan Day’s seventh Heisman finalist, but to be Day’s first Heisman winner, he’ll need bigger numbers and bigger games against teams like Illinois, Penn State, and michigan. Smith has 28 catches for 396 yards and five total touchdowns.
Arch Manning, Texas, Quarterback, Junior
I’m not one of Manning’s haters. People have been acting like he’s a bust because a pretty good Ohio State defense shut Texas down. The Longhorns and Arch have played well since and have plenty of opportunities to get back into the national picture on multiple levels. Manning has 14 total touchdowns. If Manning and Texas have a big win over Florida, their campaign for a fourth straight final four gains traction.
Sawyer Robertson, Baylor, Quarterback, Senior
Robertson is leading the nation in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Baylor may be 3-2, but because of Sawyer Robertson, Baylor is far from out of the picture when it comes to the Big 12 title, the College Football Playoff, and, for Robertson, the Heisman Trophy. Sawyer Robertson is 133 of 209 for 1,713 yards and 17 passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown. Robertson is averaging 342.6 yards per game. Baylor takes on Kansas State this Saturday.
Mario Craver, Texas A&M, Wide Receiver, Sophomore
Another elite pass catcher, Craver has been great for Texas A&M this year, and like Smith, he has plenty of help from his fellow receivers. If his big game against Notre Dame continues to age well, it could be a Heisman moment. Craver has 24 catches for 477 yards and four touchdowns.
Robert Henry Jr., UTSA, Running Back, Senior
Henry is the second leading rusher in college football. He has 68 carries for 624 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Henry is also good in the passing game with 96 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Henry’s biggest problem in winning the Heisman is being in a Group of Five conference, and his team is currently 2-2. Still, when you’re averaging 9.2 yards per carry, you’re definitely on the radar.
