In college football, the highest honor a player can earn is the Heisman Trophy, and many Heisman winners have gone on to be stars in the NFL. As the season enters its homestretch, let’s take a look at this year’s leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy.
1. Tua Tagovailoa: QB Alabama
Tagovailoa sparked the Crimson Tide to a national championship last year, replacing the team’s incumbent starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts, mid-game and leading the team to a title. Tagovailoa hasn’t missed a beat this season, emerging as the most dynamic player on the top-ranked team. His 95.8 quarterback rating (QBR) is the highest of all other quarterbacks contending for the Heisman, and he has thrown the fewest interceptions (2). Though he is only a sophomore, Tagovailoa is the likely Heisman favorite for his personal brilliance and his team’s dominance.
2. Kyler Murray: QB Oklahoma
Murray embodies the phrase “dual threat” better than any of the Heisman contenders. He’s thrown for 3,038 yards and run for 640 while accumulating 32 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns. Murray has had the difficult task of replacing Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma’s Heisman-winning quarterback from last year. Though his job has not been easy, Murray has more than risen to the occasion, leading his team to a number six national ranking. While Tagovailoa has a better team, many experts and fans argue that Murray ultimately brings more value to his team.
3. Will Grier: QB West Virginia
While Grier’s stats are impressive, 2961 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns, his biggest claim to the Heisman might be his clutch performance against Texas on Nov. 3. Grier led his team to a 42-41 victory with a game-winning drive and a two point conversion, all while playing on a bum ankle. Occasionally, the Heisman Trophy goes to the player with the most winning moments. Right now, that player is Grier. The seventh-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers are tied with Murray’s Sooners for first in the Big 12 Conference, and Grier will have his chance to best them when the two teams play on Nov. 23.
4. Gardner Minshew: QB Washington State
Minshew is a dark horse for the Heisman, but his contention for the award is well-earned. While the other contenders play for traditionally strong teams, the Washington State Wildcats are not a typical power in college football. Minshew, however, has pushed the Wildcats to a number eight national ranking and first place in the Pac 12 Conference. Minshew has thrown for a whopping 3,852 yards and 29 touchdowns, all while maintaining an impressive 69.6% completion percentage. Minshew might not play for the best-ranked team, but his individual greatness and team’s surprising success give him a strong argument for the Heisman.
Tua Tagovailoa may be leading the race for the Heisman, but his competition is right on his tail. Who do you think should win the Heisman? Send us your personal pick for college football’s greatest honor.