Just when you think the Heisman Trophy contenders should begin separating themselves from the pack, another group of candidates kicks open the door.
There still isn’t a clear favorite. Nobody has taken complete control of the race, and that has allowed several newly emerging names to enter the Heisman Room.
JEREMIAH SMITH — WR, OHIO STATE
Smith may be the most naturally gifted player in college football. He possesses the size, speed and body control of an elite NFL receiver, and he can completely change a game with one touch.
The challenge for any receiver is generating enough opportunities and signature moments to overcome the built-in advantage quarterbacks possess in Heisman voting. Smith needs monster numbers, dominant performances in Ohio State’s biggest games and at least one unforgettable Heisman moment.
If that happens, his talent is undeniable enough to carry him to New York.
DARIAN MENSAH — QB
Mensah continues to put up the kind of production that forces voters to pay attention. He is accurate, poised and capable of pushing the football downfield without constantly putting it in danger.
There are still questions about how his game will translate to the NFL, but this isn’t an NFL projection. The Heisman rewards production, leadership and winning—and Mensah is building a legitimate case in all three areas.
He has moved beyond being an interesting candidate. He is becoming a serious contender.
GUNNAR STOCKTON — QB, GEORGIA
Stockton may not always produce the flashiest highlights, but he is leading one of the most recognizable programs in the country and continues to answer every challenge placed in front of him.
Georgia’s schedule will provide him with plenty of opportunities to strengthen his résumé. If the Bulldogs remain in championship contention and Stockton delivers in their biggest games, he will be difficult for voters to ignore.
Playing quarterback at Georgia comes with pressure, but it also comes with a national platform. Stockton is beginning to take advantage of it.
KEELON RUSSELL — QB, ALABAMA
Russell is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the country.
What stands out is his composure. He doesn’t look overwhelmed by the stage, the expectations or the pressure that comes with playing quarterback at Alabama. He has the arm talent to attack every level of the field, but it is his poise that makes him such an intriguing Heisman candidate.
If Alabama remains in the SEC and national championship races, Russell’s candidacy will continue gaining momentum.
AUSTIN SIMMONS — QB, OLE MISS
Simmons is beginning to turn some heads.
He possesses the arm strength, confidence and playmaking ability to produce big numbers in an offense built to showcase its quarterback. The more comfortable he becomes, the more dangerous Ole Miss becomes.
Simmons may still be on the outside of the race, but that is how Heisman campaigns begin. A few impressive performances become a national conversation, and one signature victory can change everything.
He is officially someone worth watching.
COLE SIMMONS — EDGE, OLE MISS
I’ve said it before, and I’m not backing away from it: Cole Simmons is going to be there at the end.
Defensive players face an uphill battle in the Heisman race because their impact cannot always be captured by traditional statistics. But Simmons has the ability to wreck an entire offensive game plan.
Sacks matter, but so do pressures, forced mistakes and the constant disruption he creates. Offensive coordinators must account for him on every snap, and even then, they often cannot keep him out of the backfield.
If Simmons continues producing at this level—and makes several game-changing plays on the biggest stages—he deserves an invitation to New York.
