Now that Devonta Smith has become the first wide receiver since Desmond Howard in 1991 to win the Heisman trophy, it’s time to look ahead to the 2021 award. Unlike in previous years, there are no overwhelming favorite Heisman candidates for next season.
Most of the top talent in college football will be entering the NFL in April. While it is nearly impossible to factor in players like Smith or Joe Burrow coming out of left-field to win the award, we can narrow down some of the potential top Heisman candidates.
Fringe Heisman Candidates:
- Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M (Jr.)
- Emory Jones, QB, Florida (Jr.)
- Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State (Jr.)
- Kedon Slovis, QB, USC (Jr.)
5. JT Daniels, QB, Georgia (Jr.)
Daniels revamped the Georgia offense when he was finally named the starter later in the year. In just four games, he completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,231 yards and 10 touchdowns. Before tearing up his knee in the first game of his sophomore year at USC, he threw for 2,672 yards and 14 scores. While we don’t really know what he can do in a full year, he should get a chance to prove himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football next year.
4. D’Eriq King, QB, Miami (Sr.)
While King wasn’t as explosive as his 50-touchdown total from 2018 with Houston, he still showed why he is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country. King is taking advantage of an extra year of eligibility in order to improve his draft stock and build on expectations around the Miami program while competing for an ACC and National Championship. Hopefully, King will be able to recover quickly from his ACL injury against Oklahoma State at the Cheez-It Bowl.
3. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina (Jr.)
Howell came into his sophomore year with big expectations, and he delivered. With just over 3,500 yards and 36 touchdowns, Howell proved himself to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. Not only did North Carolina have one of the best passing attacks in the country, but they were also able to have one of the most explosive run games in the nation. With Trevor Lawrence leaving for the NFL Draft, Howell instantly becomes the best quarterback in the ACC.
2. D.J. Uiagalelei, QB, Clemson (So.)
We were able to get a good look at Uiagalelei this season with Lawrence being forced to miss a few games due to a positive COVID test. After a solid first start against Boston College where he threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, he went toe-to-toe with Notre Dame in South Bend with over 400 yards passing and three total touchdowns. Uiagalelei will always be surrounded by top talent while at Clemson. As long as he can get his skill players the ball, he will put up big numbers.
1. QB Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma (So.)
Can you believe it? Another Oklahoma quarterback is in the running for the Heisman trophy. Rattler struggled with his decision-making early in the season with losses to Kansas State and Iowa State. Later in the year, Rattler became more and more comfortable and was able to lead the Sooners to the Big 12 Championship and the sixth ranking in the country. Oklahoma will be an early contender for the playoff and will live and die with Rattler. If he is able to build on his hot start to end the season, he will be in a great position to be the next winner of the Heisman trophy.
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