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Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger was awarded Big 12 and national weekly honors after his record-setting first half performance against UTEP on Saturday.
He was already considered a Heisman contender prior to kick off, but Ehlinger’s stock skyrocketed after completing 25-of-33 passes for 426 yards and five touchdowns in Texas’ season opener.
That’s exactly what you hope to see against lesser competition. Ehlinger led the Longhorns to scores on seven of their eight first-half drives against the Miners. The lone drive that Texas did not come away with points was due to a missed field goal.
Throughout the 2020 college football season, ESPN will vote on their top Heisman candidates. To determine the rankings, 14 voters will be allowed five votes each. The points system will be dispersed as five points for first-place votes, four points for second-place votes, three points for third-place votes, two points for fourth-place votes and one point for fifth-place votes.
The first week of Heisman votes were released by ESPN on Tuesday after the majority of players have appeared in at least one contest. To no surprise, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence owned the No. 1 spot with 11 first-place votes for a total point score of 67.
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler was the primary newcomer on the list with one first-place vote and a total score of 43 points. Ehlinger was listed just behind Rattler with 41 overall points and one first-place vote.
The third Big 12 player listed was Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard. Although the Cowboys have yet to kick off, Hubbard was the leading rusher in the FBS last season. He will be leading one of the most dangerous offense’s in the country this year.
At the moment, it appears to be a three-way race between Lawrence, Rattler and Ehlinger.
Take a look at the top seven Heisman contenders below.
7. Jaylen Waddle – WR – Alabama (5 points)
6. Najee Harris – RB – Alabama (6 points)
5. Chuba Hubbard – RB – Oklahoma State (14 points)
4. Travis Etienne – RB – Clemson (16 points)
3. Sam Ehlinger – QB – Texas (41 points)
2. Spencer Rattler – QB – Oklahoma (43 points)
1. Trevor Lawrence – QB – Clemson (67 points)