The Heisman Trophy is one of the strangest awards in the sports world. There’s no objective way to win…by default, people vote on the award. So, for the most part, it’s all about perception. Numbers don’t seem to matter as much as winning and having those signature “Heisman” moments, but you have to have both to win it all. We’re talking about the big time players from the big time teams in the big time conferences.
Which is unfortunate, in my opinion. I’m a strong proponent of everyone at least getting a shot, but that’s just not the way the world works. So, with that in mind, I’m taking a look at who’s who in the 2021 Heisman race so far based on who fits the seemingly arbitrary criteria laid forth by the Heisman Trust. But, if you think I’m wrong to do so, feel free to hit up the comments.
2021 HEISMAN WATCH: WEEK 1
5. Will Levis, Kentucky QB – Hot holy damn – did Kentucky actually get a passing game going? Granted, I know it was against ULM. Still, the Wildcats may have found their guy in Levis, who went 18/26 for 367 yards, four touchdowns, and a pick. That all equates to an excellent 230.9 passer rating. If Levis can keep that going when the schedule gets a little tougher, then he may be a surprise Heisman contender as long as Kentucky keeps winning.
4. Matt Corral, Ole Miss QB – The stockpiling of points and yardage has already begun for this Ole Miss offense, and that’s due in large part to its play-making signal caller. Corral posted a gaudy 381 passing yards with a touchdown pass against Louisville on Monday night to go along with 55 rushing yards and a score on the ground. The fireworks started often and early for Ole Miss, and Corral is off to a hot start as a dark horse in this year’s Heisman race.
3. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State RB – If you have a game like Walker had against Northwestern, you are automatically in the Heisman Watch. I’m sorry – those are the rules. I don’t make ’em (actually I do); I just abide by them. In all seriousness, Walker was downright dominant for the Spartans, amassing a whopping 264 yards and four rushing touchdowns in Michigan State’s 38-21 win.
2. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA RB – Chip Kelly seems to have found his running game and man, UCLA has been off to a hot start with Charbonnet in the backfield. He has 223 yards and four touchdowns through two games so far, but it’s his 13.1 yards-per-carry average that is particularly eye-popping. I say we go ahead and put this young man in the Heisman race.
1. Bryce Young, Alabama QB – Well, I think any doubt about how Young would step up and into the role of Tide quarterback with the spotlight all on him was put to rest as Young absolutely laid the wood on the Miami Hurricanes. The Tide won 44-13, and in the process, Young went 27/38 for 344 yards and four touchdowns. He kicks off the season atop the Heisman Watch.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
5. Will Levis
4. Matt Corral
3. Kenneth Walker III
2. Zach Charbonnet
1. Bryce Young
If you haven’t already, be sure to go subscribe to the College Football Roundup Podcast, on which Steven McCash and myself break down all the action from the college football world and look ahead to the week to come.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
