Week 3 absolutely delivered all-around! We saw monumental performances from guys who were lower in the Heisman rankings, and we saw guys who were in the running falter and fall out. Here’s this week’s Heisman Trophy watchlist.
Darian Mensah
Mensah set another record, completing 24 consecutive passes, an Atlantic Coast Conference record Friday night. He finished 30-34 for 220 yards, and 3 touchdowns to no interceptions. The Hurricanes are now 3-0 and just picked up a road conference win. He is up to 71-79, 873 yards, 11 TDs and 0 INTs on the year. I know many are putting Trinidad Chambliss above Mensah right now, but there is just no way to do that with Mensah’s current stats.
Trinidad Chambliss
Against his former coach, Chambliss went off. A 33/48, 363 yard 2 TD, 1 INT performance and most importantly he led his Rebels past the LSU Tigers. In the two games where he’s been needed this year (Excluding Charlotte), he has thrown for 336 (Louisville), and 363 (LSU) yards. He also has 5 TDs and 2 INTs. He needs to clean up his decision making a bit, but he is putting numbers up that are consistent with a Heisman quarterback. On the ground, he has 21 carries, 64 yards, and 2 TDs this year. Up next, a trip to the Swamp and the Gators.
Jeremiah Smith
Smith put up 5 more catches for 86 yards this weekend, bringing him to 21 catches, 400 yards and 3 TDs on the year. He has become the story of the Ohio State offense, despite his quarterback, Julian Sayin, putting up incredibly accurate numbers this year. However, his numbers will need to increase a bit if he is going to make a legitimate push to win the trophy.
Arch Manning
Manning went just 17-33 for 2 TDs and 164 yards this weekend against UTSA. The only thing that matters is Texas got the win. However, Arch is sitting at 60-97, 7 TDs, 2INT’s on the year in the air, and 20 carries for 80 yards on the ground. With guys like Chambliss and Mensah exploding on defenses, Manning’s production likely will not keep up with the others.
Jayden Maiava
Through 4 games this season, Maiava has 1173 yards, 12 TDs, and an INT. He’s added a touchdown via the ground as well. Against Rutgers this weekend, he went 20-32, 2 TDs, and 277 yards. The competition has been limited to start the year, but the Trojan QB looks like a bonafide Heisman hopeful this season. This weekend vs. Oregon will provide him an opportunity to prove his ranking against some quality competition.
Malachi Toney
Three games, 444 yards, 5 TDs. Those stats are incredible, and those stats are going to continue to steadily continue as Toney has elite chemistry with QB Darian Mensah. However, right now Mensah is overshining Toney, a common problem for wide receivers in the Heisman race.
Kamario Taylor
Taylor, because he is playing for Mississippi State, has flown under the radar this season. The sophomore has revitalized the Bulldogs this year, throwing for 832 yards, 11 TDs, 1 INT on 56-82. He has added 27 carries for 178 yards and 1 TD on the ground. Having more than 1000 all purpose yards gets you on everyone’s Heisman list. However, continuing to win games in the SEC will win you the Heisman. Up Next: Missouri.
Julian Sayin
Sayin has done exactly what he needed for this year to get himself into the Heisman conversation. However, the team’s collapse against Texas leaves him lower on this list than many would like. He has 839 yards on 56-79 passing, with 6 TDs and 1 INT. To make it to NYC, he will need to continue to take care of the ball and put up these numbers while the competition increases.
CJ Carr
Carr almost feels as if he has defaulted onto this list right now. He has gone 53-73, 726 yards, and 6 TDs on the year. He isn’t much of a ground threat, but has led his team to a 3-0 start. His production and Notre Dame’s record is keeping him in it, for now.
Keelon Russell, Bear Bachmeier, Dante Moore, Faizon Brandon, Gunner Stockton are all guys I’m keeping an eye on as we progress this season! Who do you have on the list that I’m missing?