The college football season has been through nine weeks. Heisman candidates are starting to separate themselves. Here are Heisman Trophy Week 10 Power Rankings.
1. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State probably figured they were getting a solid player when Walker transferred in from Wake Forest. They probably didn’t expect him to be this good. In week 9 Walker rushed for 197 yards and five touchdowns against a Michigan defense that came into the game as one of the best in the country. The win and Walker’s performance is what puts him at the top of the list.
For the whole season, Walker has rushed for 1,194 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also has eight catches for 36 yards and a score. The five-touchdown performance against Michigan gave him some Heisman moments that will be remembered by the voters. With Michigan State undefeated and ranked third by the committee, Walker should be invited to New York when the season is over if things go as planned.
2. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Bryce Young is in his first season as the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide and he is showing why he was so highly-ranked as a recruit. The Crimson Tide were off on Halloween weekend, which allowed other players to build up their stats while Young wasn’t playing. He still ranks very highly on the Heisman Trophy Week 10 Power Rankings.
Alabama has a 7-1 record and were ranked second by the College Football Playoff Committee. Any Heisman candidate needs to be on a good team, but Young also has some nice stats. He has thrown for 2,453 yards, 26 touchdowns and three interceptions on 70 percent completion. He also has 40 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Some will believe that the award needs to go to the best player on the best team (for offensive players) and that would be Young.
3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes
After an inconsistent start to the season, Stroud has really settled in as a great quarterback for the Buckeyes. He seems to be getting better as the season goes on. In week 9, the Buckeyes got a win over Penn State, even though they played sloppily. Stroud was able to pass for 305 yards and a touchdown in the game to help his Heisman case.
With the Buckeyes ranking fifth in the CFP rankings with a 7-1 record, the winning element of a Heisman contender is there. Stroud still lacks a Heisman moment, but there is still time for that to happen. He has 2,270 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and three interceptions on 67.1 percent completion this season. A strong finish to the season will have him end up in New York City for the Heisman Trophy Ceremony.
4. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss Rebels
Matt Corral has been in the Heisman running pretty much all season long. He cut down on his turnovers from the 2020 season and the results have been incredible. Ole Miss lost to Auburn in week 9, but Corral still played decently. He finished the game with 289 passing yards and an interception. Corral also rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown.
Ole Miss has a 6-2 record in the tough SEC West. Corral has put up gaudy numbers this season to help his case. He has passed for 2,202 yards, 15 touchdowns and two interceptions on 66 percent completion. His ability to run the ball also helped his Heisman case, as he has 519 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Corral may lack a true Heisman moment so far, but there is still plenty of football left.
5. Sam Hartman, QB, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Sam Hartman has waited his turn at Wake Forest and he is rolling with the opportunity. The team is also off to a historic start for a school that isn’t a traditional football power. Wake Forest defeated Duke 45-7 in a game that helped Hartman pad the stats. He finished the game with 402 passing yards and three touchdowns. Hartman rushed for 61 yards and two touchdowns as well.
As mentioned, Wake Forrest has had a great season so far, going 8-0 to start. They haven’t played many big games and voters may not have actually watched Hartman play because of this. He does have the stats for the award though. Hartman has passed for 2,475 yards, 22 touchdowns and three interceptions on 65.2 percent completion. He’ll have to keep this pace if he wants any chance of winning the trophy.
Other Contenders:
Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia Bulldogs-Â If the award was truly given to college football’s most outstanding player, Davis would be in the running. The stat line won’t tell the whole picture, but turn on the tap and Davis recks games.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes- Henderson has been electric with the ball in his hands, but it will be hard for him to out shadow his own quarterback. He also likely won’t have comparable stats by the end of the season because he started the season in too much of a time-share backfield.
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh Panthers- Pickett’s progression throughout his career is incredible. His stats are on par with those in the top five, if not better, but the question will be around how well Pittsburgh can finish the season.
Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati Bearcats-Â Ridder has been the leader of the Bearcats for a few years and now has them at sixth in the CFP rankings. The stats don’t really match up with the other Heisman contenders, but if the Bearcats keep winning, Ridder will stay in the top 10 or so.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas Longhorns-Â The Texas running back is averaging 5.9 yards per carry, but Texas may not get enough wins to really give him a shot at the award.
Caleb Williams, QB, Oklahoma Sooners-Â Can a quarterback who was a backup for nearly half the season win the award? Williams has injected life into the Sooners’ offense, but it might be too little too late for such a prestigious award.
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