As we get deeper into the college football season, so too does the discussion about who will win the coveted Heisman Trophy. Time for transfers Quarterbacks have recently dominated this celebrated award, but that’s not the only trend. They became the first team to win the award for four consecutive seasons last year. Analysts can’t stop talking about this trend. They question whether this year’s candidates are able to quickly develop the infrastructure to sustain and grow the momentum that their predecessors established. Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith are among those looking to take their place in the spotlight this season. Their presence has the Heisman race shaping up to be competitive, especially exciting!
Since 2010, transfer quarterbacks have won the Heisman trophy seven times. This trend is anything but new. The new standard was set by Joe Burrow’s historic 2019 Heisman trajectory with LSU, and plenty are still trying to get to that level. According to some experts, Jayden Daniels’ 2023 campaign might be the most accurate barometer for what today’s candidates should be measuring themselves against. Daniels has a lot to prove and his performance will be one of the most fun things to watch as the season progresses.
In Texas, Steve Sarkisian’s quarterback-friendly system enhances the Longhorns’ prospects. Pair that with the offense’s proven ability to put up crazy-good numbers. With a slate stacked with statement games, it’s a dream landscape for any Heisman hopeful. The pressure is on, as Heisman voters typically seek two essential components: big numbers and significant moments. Those who can succeed on both counts will greatly strengthen their chances to be the eventual nominee.
Jeremiah Smith makes the conversation all the more interesting as a super enticing option for casual, nontraditional recreational bettors. With betting lines at +1200 to win the Heisman, there’s more than on-field talent that makes him a potential value here. Though primarily known as a wide receiver, Smith’s odds highlight an interesting trend: wide receivers have rarely won the Heisman but have done so successfully in recent years, with DeVonta Smith and Travis Hunter as notable examples. Looking ahead, this season could prove to be a breakout one for Smith.
In the meantime, Arch Manning keeps bringing a lot of smoke to his candidacy just like a fire. His name recognition alone boosts him into the top tier in the eyes of fans and voters. C.J. Stroud doesn’t have to be in this year’s spotlight — Washington State’s Cameron Ward is well worth the attention. His evolution into a Heisman finalist is the perfect example of an effective quarterback-friendly system and how it gets players to leave their imprint on the world.
Beck checks all the boxes for the new prototype non-playoff-winning quarterbacks. As Sanders’ meteoric rise to national prominence continues, one thing is for sure – he’s touched the Heisman voters’ hearts. His demonstrated excellence and steady hand guiding his team to victory would surely appeal to the decision-makers that will make these final cut.
Clubnik is already guaranteed a spectacular season-defining play, which is the key to getting the fickle voter base to pay attention. These kinds of moments are frequently what change the entire narrative arc of a candidacy and launch them into the upper echelon of serious contenders. History shows that Heisman voters love players who put up all-world stats. They seek out superstars who produce iconic plays in pivotal matchups.
Leave a Reply