Heisman Watch: Week 1
With the college football season just underway, some might say it’s too early to project who will be in the Heisman running - but not me.
The Hesiman trophy is one of the most coveted in all of sports, and this season's race could shape up to be a great one.
A full-time defensive player has never won the award (Charles Woodson played all three phases), but there could be a man that changes that this season.
Here’s a look at this year's Heisman trophy hopefulls.
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
It’s no secret that Bryce Young is one of the best players in college football, the recipient of the award in 2021 is back again determined to accomplish the rare repeat.
Archie Griffin is the only player to ever win the Hiesman twice, but Young has all the tools to become the second.
Last season Young put up huge numbers, totaling 4,872 yards through the air, as well as 47 touchdowns to only seven interceptions while leading the Crimson Tide to a 13-2 record and a National Championship game appearance.
The California kid is undoubtedly more concerned with winning a national championship than any individual awards, but I’m sure having the chance to do something no quarterback has ever done before adds a little extra motivation for this season.
He’s going to have to do something spectacular to repeat because as history shows, voters tend to favor guys who haven’t won the award yet, but if anyone can get it done, it’s him.
CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
After a bit of a slow start to the 2021 season for Stroud, he took off like a rocket. Stroud amassed 4,435 yards, 44 TDs to only six INTs and a 91.6 quarterback rating, which was best in the nation last season.
Stroud ended the year with one of the best bowl performances of all time, throwing for 573 yards and six TDs in the Rose Bowl against a very solid Utah team. His favorite receiver to throw to, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is back for the Buckeyes this season, a great sign for Stroud's Heisman aspirations.
The Ohio State offense is projected to be the best in the nation this season, and if Stroud can repeat his excellent 2021 campaign this year, he will at the very least be in New York for the Hiesman ceremony.
He opens up the season with an excellent chance to take the early lead in the Heisman race, playing No. 5 ranked Notre Dame in Columbus.
Will Anderson Jr., OLB, Alabama
Will Anderson Jr. is the reason many think there could be a shift in Heisman voting this season.
An absolute menace off the edge, Anderson racked up 17.5 sacks and an astounding 31 TFL, both of which led the nation last season.
Anderson finished fifth in the Hiesman voting last year, and now that he has two years under his belt, the future top-five pick is ready to change the narrative around defensive players never being able to win the award.
Anderson’s main roadblock in winning the award is if Alabama is dominating, that probably means Bryce Young is as well, but as I mentioned earlier, voters sometimes hesitate to vote for a player twice.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Williams was so impressive last season that he has the third best odds to bring home the award despite being in an entirely new situation. After head coach Lincoln Riley left Oklahoma to become the coach at USC, several players followed, most notably starting quarterback Caleb Williams.
The extremely highly touted recruit appeared in every game for the Sooners last season, despite not being named the opening day starter. Williams completely changed the Sooners’ offense after being inserted into the lineup, and finished with a 86.5 QBR, which was good for fourth in the nation.
Williams will also have the added benefit of playing in the Pac-12, one of the weaker conferences where he will have the chance to put up some crazy numbers and also win alot of games, as we know both are required to bring home the award.
Others to Watch
While the four mentioned above have the best shot to win the award this season, there are several dark horses that I like to make some major noise and possibly a run at the Heisman.
This list includes players like TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State), Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas), Jaxson Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State), Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas), Dillon Gabriel (QB, Oklahoma), and DJ Uiagalelei (QB, Clemson).
Jameson Kramer is a fourth-year student majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him email at jek5650@psu.edu
