With the season around the halfway mark, you have to really consider who the next Heisman winner will be. The further we get into the season the clearer the picture gets. While there are still several players who could make a case to win the Heisman, these are the Top 5, in my opinion. These five individuals have the best shot at winning the award. In my analysis, I have put Tua number one, but if you've paid attention he recently said when it comes to awards, he is working his hardest to win the best Pete Mortell Holder of the year award. The award has only been around since 2015 and is for the best field goal holder of the year. That being said, Tua is competitive and can make a strong case for the Heisman as can everyone on this list.
1. Tua Tagaviola
Tua Tagovailoa QB Alabama
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3GXmZVnx4b/?hl=en
Tua was the frontrunner coming into the season and had a strong chance last year when he finished 2nd in Heisman voting. Tua is surpassing Jalen Hurts because of consistency. He has continued to play at a high level and make plays, while Hurts has been doing very well but his stats are a little bit of a roller coaster. These two should continue to run the race quite closely while trying to stay ahead of Justin Fields and Johnathon Taylor. Tua has 23TD passing TD's with zero interceptions this year and has had back to back games with 5 TD's, which is an Alabama record he also recently broke the record for most touchdowns responsible for in a career at Alabama. Alabama should have a big game this weekend against rival Texas A&M, but the biggest game will come November 9th against LSU.
2. Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts QB Oklahoma
https://www.instagram.com/p/B161yEnlF4W/?hl=en
While Hurts has played phenomenal so far, it's hard to process a third straight Oklahoma QB winning the Heisman. Hurts has excelled through the air and on the ground this year. It was a slow start against Kansas this past week, but they ended strong. Hurts has been very effective on the ground. He has 7 rushing TD's so far and 14 Passing TD's. He has thrown a pick in back to back games which helps Tua's case a lot. Look for a big game this weekend against Texas.
3. Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor RB Wisconsin
https://www.instagram.com/p/B20Sw71hzZW/?hl=en
Taylor has been very explosive this year scoring on the opening drive multiple times this season. He is on pace to outrun the last 4 running backs to win the Heisman. Taylor had a strong year last year and already outpacing that trek in which he has over 2000 rushing yards and 16 TD's he already has 12 TD's this year and almost 800 yards rushing. Taylor also already has 4 Receiving TD's which he hadn't had any in his career up to this point. I like Jonathan Taylor's odds of winning the Heisman, especially, if he continues to move at this pace.
4. Justin Fields
Justin Fields QB Ohio State
https://www.instagram.com/p/B20NkAcAw_k/?hl=en
Fields has been very successful in his first year at QB for Ohio State after transferring from Georgia. The standout has passed for 18 TD's so far this season. Ohio State has looked great with him almost like he has been for some time. Ohio State could make a strong run for the playoffs this year. Their biggest challenger will most likely be Wisconsin. Fields has also rushed for a TD in every game this season totaling 7 on the season so far.
5. Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow QB LSU
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2J8D9vABSY/?hl=en
Burrow has really proved himself this year as he has several big games and some people think they pose a real threat to Alabama, while players like Grant Delpit, Jacob Philips and Justin Jefferson have been big in that success, Joe Burrow is probably the main reason he has thrown for over 1,800 passing yards and 22 passing TD's so far this season. On the downside, he has thrown 3 interceptions. The upside is that he has 14TDs with zero turnovers in the RedZone. He has some firepower in him, and it will be interesting how everything turns out down the stretch. LSU hosts Florida this week in what will be a very big game.
