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The last time we had a Heisman race post, it was an overreaction to Week 1. Somehow, four of the top five have remained. If there’s any lessons learned, it’s that cool as hell quarterbacks are doing well, and although Clemson is great, they’re too good for Trevor Lawrence or Travis Etienne to realistically compete.
Honorable mentions: Chase Young, Ohio State; Justin Herbert, Oregon; Anthony Gordon, Washington State; Sam Ehlinger, Texas; D’Andre Swift, Georgia
5. Justin Fields, Ohio State
Another game, another blowout for Ohio State, and another superb performance by Justin Fields. His competition has been poor, but his stats stand out regardless, as he’s up 880 passing yards, 13 touchdowns against zero interceptions, and six rushing touchdowns. He plays Nebraska next week, so the competition is still poor, but he’s still poised to be a Heisman contender as long as Ohio State keeps winning.
4. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Wisconsin was supposed to be tested this week, but just as they did against South Florida and Central Michigan, the Badgers clobbered the 11th ranked Michigan Wolverines. Thanks to Taylor and his 203 yards and 2 scores, the Badgers got out to a 35-0 lead before allowing their first points of the season (!) in garbage time. Taylor himself is a fringe Heisman contender — running backs have to go wild to even be finalists — but he will get a ton of credit for Wisconsin being a legitimate playoff contender.
3. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Tua Tagovailoa has done nothing wrong this season. His only issue has been other quarterbacks playing perfectly. He’s still probably going to win the Heisman. The only question I have is that his receivers are so good that I don’t know exactly how good Tagovailoa is.
2. Joe Burrow, LSU
Joe Burrow entered the Heisman race after throwing for 471 yards and 4 touchdowns in a Week 2 win over Texas. After throwing for an LSU-record 6 touchdowns against Vanderbilt on Saturday, he’s passed Tua in these meaningless rankings. He’s turned LSU into an offensive power, which is quite hard to do. He’s an electric passer with an the confidence in the world, and although his efficiency cannot possibly last, his gun slinging manner has been incredible to watch.
1. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Oklahoma didn’t play this week, but Hurts remains the top contender. Yeah, yeah, there have been jokes about Lincoln Riley’s offense turning any transfer QB into a Heisman contender, but Hurts is damn good and happens to run an offense tailored to his strengths. He’s averaging 17.4 yards per pass attempt and 9.8 yards per rush. That is unreal. Hurts is simulatenously explosive and clinical, and he seems destined to run through the Big 12 on his way to a Heisman.