By: Peter Straley 

1. (Winner) Jayden Daniels, QB LSU:

Although LSU has three losses on the year, Daniels is still the front-runner for the Heisman trophy. Leading the pack with a 202.1 passer rating (Best in FBS) and the most all-purpose yards in the FBS (4082), Daniels is the front-runner for the Heisman. His dual-threat ability allows him to tear up defenses on the ground and pick them apart through the air with his elite decision-making. Wins are not a quarterback stat, and Daniels should not be docked points in the Heisman voting for his defense’s lackluster play. Lamar Jackson, Caleb Williams, and Robert Griffin III have all won the Heisman with three or more losses, so it is not unusual for a player on a three or more-loss team to win the Heisman. Daniels is the best player in college football, and his stats prove it. 

2.  Michael Penix Jr, QB Washington:

Coming off of an impressive first season at Washington, leading the Power Five in passing yards (4641), Penix has cemented himself as a top 3 quarterback in all of College football. Penix has outstanding ball placement, mechanics, big play ability, and pocket presence. His passer rating has improved from 151 last season to 171 this season, and he is leading all of college football in passing yards. He is more comfortable in the pocket due to his tremendous offensive line, and he makes good decisions in crucial situations, such as his game-winning drive against #8 Oregon. With two upcoming big games against #10 Oregon State and presumably a rematch against #6 Oregon in the Pac-12 championship, Penix can make or break his Heisman chances.

3. Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Ohio State:

Harrison is a 6’4”, 205-pound freak-of-nature receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He is projected to be a top 3 pick in this upcoming NFL draft due to his athleticism, insane hands and route running, and college production. Harrison is instrumental to the Ohio State offense as they thrive when QB Kyle McCord targets Harrison. If Ohio State wins the playoff, Harrison will have a high chance of winning the Heisman. MHJ is the best non-quarterback in all of college football and is close in the race for the Heisman trophy.

4. Bo Nix, QB Oregon:

Nix is the quarterback on one of the hottest teams in the country, Oregon. Nix is an elusive quarterback who is making the right reads and throws. Although he doesn’t have the same big-play ability as Michael Penix or Jayden Daniels, Nix still does a great job managing the Oregon offense. Nix can prove himself in a probable Pac-12 championship rematch against Washington. If Nix and the Ducks win that game, he will shoot up in the Heisman rankings and be in serious contention for the award. Nix can prove the doubters wrong and bolster his Heisman chances if he wins in the next couple of weeks.