With the final stretch of the college football season on the horizon, several Heisman hopefuls look to break away from the pack.
No. 1 Mississippi State Junior QB Dak Prescott is the current clear cut favorite to take home the trophy. The dual-threat QB has proven game in and game out that he can carry his team to victory. In a thrilling win against LSU, Prescott gained a total of 373 yards and 3 total touchdowns without a turnover against the Tiger’s stingy defense.

The 34-29 win against then No. 8 LSU was followed up with equally impressive victories over then No. 6 ranked Texas A&M and then a thrashing of then No. 2 Auburn. If he continues to produce through the air and on the ground, it may be impossible to deny him the Heisman.

One athlete that may stand in his way is fellow scrambler Marcus Mariota (Junior) of Oregon. Though not boasting as impressive of rushing stats, Mariota is still one of the best dual threats in the country. His ability to move the pocket and throw down the field is seemingly unrivaled.

Though no true signature win pops-up when talking about Mariota, his consistency and decision making put him well within the Heisman chase. With his 24-1 touchdown to interception ratio, he leads the country in QBR at 192.2.

Often time’s quarterbacks win the Heisman by default, but Nebraska Senior Ameer Abdullah also has an outside chance of running away with the award. Abdullah leads the NCAA in rushing with 1249 and leads all power conference backs in touchdowns with 17.
His lack-luster performance against Michigan State lead to Nebraska’s only loss of the season, and has proved to be a setback in Abdullah’s Heisman hopes. Even with this rough game, the tailback has rushed for 200+ yards 4 times this season, and broke Nebraska’s single game total yards record against Northwestern with 341.

Another tailback worthy of recognition is Wisconsin Junior Melvin Gordon. Gordon has been nothing short of a lightning bolt this season, rushing for 250+ yards twice and 5 touchdowns against Bowling Green University. His break away speed solidifies his Heisman hopes, showing flashes of former Heisman winner Herschel Walker at times.

Gordon and Abdullah face off on Nov. 15 in Madison in what will be a display of the nation’s best runners, and may sway which of these backs make the trip to New York for the Heisman Presentation.

You can’t bring up Heisman without mentioning the reigning winner Jameis Winston. Winston is leading No. 2 Florida State when he’s not causing trouble off the field. Investigations, allegations and a one game suspension hasn’t shaken Winston’s performance, as FSU remains undefeated.

Prescott, Mariota, Abdullah, Gordon and Winston have all made their mark. With the sun setting on the college football season, more stellar performances are still to come.