1) Trevone Boykin – QB – 
Incredible season last year and finished the season in the Heisman race after throwing nearly 4000 yards, 33 TDs, and a QPR of 72.5. Just from last years performance alone combined with TCU returning 9 on offense I don’t see him being below #2 at the start of the season despite it being extremely early for Heisman predictions. Boykin will produce good enough numbers to win it (assuming he has improved in the offseason and continues to increase his QBR) and will also exemplify the character a Heisman trophy winner should. However him winning it will come down to one thing and one thing only, his ability to lead the Horned Frogs to the playoffs.
2) Ezekiel Elliot – RB – 
A guy who ignited the NCAA last year with his elusiveness, speed, and vision. As a Sophomore Elliot rushed for 1800 yards which was 3rd in the nation and is a main offensive focal point on a team that both will make the playoffs and have a great shot to be back-to-back champions. If TCU doesn’t make the playoffs and Elliot performs like he should then he might not only be in the race but win it.
3) Derrik Henry – RB – 
Henry will be returning as a Junior this year where last year he put up nearly 1,000 yards on less than 175 attempts and earned 11 touchdowns along the way. Henry also accomplished all that without even getting the most attempts on the team because he split carries with now Jacksonville Jaguar T.J. Yeldon. Henry will be the workhorse on offense this year since lost several key players on the offensive side of the ball but return some quality talent on the offensive line. Combine that with, what will be, a top 5 defense where Henry should be able to get on the field in decent field position and Alabama looks to make another run for a title chance.
4) J.T. Barrett / Cardale Jones / Braxton Miller – QB –
I’m not sure who the Ohio State starting quarterback will be but I assure you they will be in the Heisman race. Many think Barrett should remain the starter because he did just win the championship. However Barrett’s spring hasn’t been near what he wanted because both him and Miller suffered from injuries so Jones took most of the snaps during the spring game as Barrett/Miller watched. Urban Meyer says the job will be won in August, so we will wait and see.
5) Leonard Fournette – RB – 
A freshman last year but still a 1000 yard rusher. Incredible size and athleticism with massive potential and will be a force in the NCAA for years to come. Looks to be a main focal point in the LSU offense where last year he only had 187 attempts he should be pushing 250 attempts this year since both of the players he shared touches with are no longer there. LSU is also retuning quality interior linemen and skill positions that will be able to help give LSU a shot to make the playoffs and Fournette a chance to be in the Heisman Race.
6) Cody Kessier – QB – 
Kessier, a senior and three year starter, was 10th in the nation in passing yards last year and is looking to lead a stacked Trojan team to the playoffs. Kessler possesses a great work ethic and his numbers reflect that. Each year he has raised his TDs, Yards, and QBR as well as lowered his total Ints. Kessier will surprise some people this year and might even find himself in the race if USC stays focused and gets the job done.
7) Jalen Hurd – RB – 
If you wanted a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate here is your guy. Hurd rushed for 900 yards last year as a freshman and looks to be one of the main focal points in the Tennessee offense this year. In addition to that Tennessee looks to be a force this year and have a good chance to win the SEC with all their returning starters and talent. Everything has to go right for Hurd to win but regardless of winning the Heisman or not this year he will be a household name for the next 2-3 years after this season.
8) Dak Prescott – QB – 
Prescott was a major candidate in the Heisman race last year until Mississippi State botched the game against Alabama and Ole Miss. Prescott needs to take control of his team and make some magic happen to make himself a Heisman Trophy winner with a team that, most likely, won’t make the playoffs or win the SEC but anything is possible in the world of sports.
Tyler H.
S.N.T.
Sports New Take 