10. Dillon Gabriel, QB Oklahoma
Fantastic at UCF before getting hurt, he was far better than he got credit for nationally after transferring to Oklahoma. He got knocked out on a bad hit against TCU. That not only stalled the Sooner season, it kept him out of the high-profile game against Texas.
Even so, he threw for close to 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for five scores. The stats will be there, and the team around him should be far stronger.
9. JJ McCarthy, QB/Donovan Edwards RB/Blake Corum RB, Michigan
If Corum was healthy and did what Edwards pulled off against Ohio State and Purdue, there would be a running back among the 2022 Heisman finalists. Corum is an X factor depending on health and status, but Edwards proved he’s special when given more work, and McCarthy looked every bit the star Wolverine fans were hoping for. One of them will rise up and be in the Heisman mix.
8. Quinn Ewers, QB or Arch Manning, QB Texas
Texas has two of the most talented young quarterbacks in all of football to work with – the winner of this derby will be anointed as the next big college football thing. The attention is half the Heisman battle, and then it’s about the talent, stats, and ability in the biggest games. The 2023 Texas starting quarterback will have all three.
7. Alabama starting quarterback
This might be where one of the elite quarterback transfers ends up. North Carolina’s Drake Maye would’ve been perfect, and then he told everyone he’s not going anywhere.
Jalen Milroe was great in relief when needed for Bryce Young – assuming he’s gone to the NFL – but it’s probably going to be one of the young stars taking over. Ty Simpson was the big get of the last recruiting class, a few more big-time prospects are on the way, and … again, a superstar transfer is an instant Heisman candidate.
Speaking of a place certain to get an elite transfer who’ll be in the spotlight from the start …
6. Tennessee starting quarterback
Like Alabama and USC, Tennessee should be a destination for any and every quarterback in the transfer portal with next-level upside. Who doesn’t want to put up a bazillion yards in this attack?
It could still be Joe Milton’s offense to run. He’s got all the tools, experience, and time in the system, but he could end up transferring out depending on how the offseason goes. If it’s not Milton, this will be one of the key quarterback battles among a slew of great young prospects, but give it a little bit. Milton might just end the speculation before it starts.
– Top Five 2023 Heisman Candidates