3. QB CJ Stroud, Ohio State
He’s putting up astronomical numbers just when the team needed him to kick it all in. He might not be consistent enough, but he’s thrown for over 300 yards per game with ease, the two interceptions against Nebraska were the only ones given away since the first three weeks of the season, and he’s the leader of a rising team that’s rolling to a likely College Football Playoff berth.
Why CJ Stroud Will Win the Heisman: The world is about see him do what he does in the biggest games of the season. Roll up big performances against Michigan State and Michigan, and take down whatever comes from the West in the Big Ten Championship, and he’ll be in New York as the main man for what might be the No. 1 offense in America.
Why CJ Stroud Won’t Win the Heisman: Does he have a true Heisman moment, or does all the talent around him help make everything look great? He might have a Mac Jones problem – amazing player, but the supporting cast has several members who can be in this Heisman watch mix, too.
2. RB Kenneth Walker, Michigan State
He’s the nation’s leading rusher averaging 147 yards per game – a whopping 11 yards more per game than No. 2 man Sean Tucker of Syracuse – and he did it as the prime cog in the Michigan State system.
The Spartans got outplayed by Michigan – the College Football Playoff committee at least thinks so – but they still won because of 197 yards and five touchdowns from their running back. Everyone was watching, that was his Heisman moment, and now it’s really on.
Why Kenneth Walker Will Win the Heisman: It might come down to this week. If he rips up Ohio State and does to that defense what he did against Michigan, he’s in New York City as a finalist. If he’s great against the Buckeyes and Penn State, and then gets a shot to do even more in the Big Ten Championship, the Heisman is his.
Why Kenneth Walker Won’t Win the Heisman: Even if he gets through Ohio State and Penn State, there could be a brick wall of a hard stop if he has to deal with a historically great Wisconsin run defense in the Big Ten Championship. Before that, if he doesn’t lead the way to a win against the Buckeyes, he’s a finalist, and that’s probably it.
1. QB Bryce Young, Alabama
One game. Everything else has has done so far has been good enough, but it’s all going to come down to the SEC Championship against Georgia.
First, though, he and the Tide can’t lose to Arkansas or Auburn – the SEC Championship has to mean something, assuming Bama takes care of business and he gets there. If he does, and if he’s able to rise up and beat the amazing Georgia defense with a good performance – Heisman over.
Why Bryce Young Will Win the Heisman: 70% passing, over 3,000 yards, 33 touchdowns, three interceptions. He doesn’t have the same level of receiving corps Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa enjoyed, but he’s still doing what Bama quarterbacks are supposed to do, but …
Why Bryce Young Won’t Win the Heisman: Is there a signature Heisman moment, or is this just because he happens to be the Alabama quarterback? It’s not like he’s been any better than Jones, or Tagovailoa, or in a different way, Jalen Hurts, and they didn’t win the Heisman.
Also, if he’s not awesome against Georgia – and who has been this year? – it’s not going to happen.
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Week 11 Roundup
Rankings AP | Coaches | CFN 1-130 Rankings
Week 12 Early Line Predictions | Heisman Race
College Football Playoff Chase, Who’s Alive?
Bowl Projections | Week 11 Scoreboard, Predictions
Big Game Reactions: Baylor, Mich, Ole Miss, more
Coach Hot Seat Top 10 | Bowl Bubble: Who’s In, Out