NCAAF, Team News / Analysis, Player News / Analysis, Rankings, Geno Smith, Collin Klein, De'Anthony Thomas, Braxton Miller, Aaron Murray
There are a handful of names to choose from that could be considered a legitimate candidate by season's end. It's wide open right now, and there's no true No. 1.
As conference play is set to begin within the next two weeks, we'll begin to see how this race will shape out as true contenders flourish.
But for now, here's an updated list of those currently in the battle for the Heisman Trophy.
1. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Passing: 66-of-75 (82.0 percent), 734 yards, 9 TDs, 0 INTs
Rushing: 10 carries, 82 yards (8.3 ypc), TD
Why: Smith is the nation's top candidate right now simply because of his ability to put points on the scoreboard. He's the perfect player for Holgorsen's system offense and is on pace to find the end zone 60 times this season. Sure, Smith hasn't played the greatest of competition so far, but he has more touchdowns (10) than incompletions (nine) and will continue to look great against Big 12 defenses.
2. De'Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon
Rushing: 13 carries, 228 yards (17.5 ypc), 4 TDs
Receiving: 11 receptions, 154 yards (14.0 ypr), 3 TDs
Why: It's insane the way Thomas has kept this nutty streak going of making big plays every time he touches the ball. He's averaged at least 14 yards per carry in five straight games and has scored for every 6.8 touches throughout his collegiate career (including special teams). He'll need to be more involved moving forward to win this thing, but Oregon may need him to in order to win the Pac-12 anyways.
3. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State
Passing: 48-of-78 (61.5 percent), 611 yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing: 56 carries, 377 yards (6.7 ypc), 5 TDs
Why: The Buckeyes are 3-0 largely in thanks to the dynamic play of Miller under center. He's thrived in Urban Meyer's spread-option system, compiling 988 total yards and 12 touchdowns. Miller will need to continue improving his passer efficiency, especially against Big Ten defenses, but if he keeps this up, he'll be in New York this December.
4. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State
Passing: 43-of-59 (72.9 percent), 609 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing: 46 carries, 210 yards (4.6 ypc), 4 TDs
Why: A very underrated player and candidate, Klein has slowly progressed as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation. He has a knack for the end zone and leads a team that has already scored 138 points (46.0 ppg). The real test will be this weekend when the Wildcats travel to No. 6 Oklahoma.
5. Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
Passing: 51-of-80 (63.4 percent), 842 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing: 15 carries, -4 yards (-.3 ypc), 2 TDs
Why: It seems as if Murray has improved his accuracy inside and outside the pocket since last year, which has proved to make a huge difference in the Dawgs' passing success so far. He may not be a top candidate right now, but if he can make some noise against South Carolina and Florida in the upcoming weeks, he'll get there sooner than later.
Others to watch (in order)
6. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA
7. E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State
8. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama
9. David Ash, QB, Texas
10. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
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