Five Heisman Contenders Not Gaining Enough Credit
The Heisman Trophy race has turned into an award where a really talented quarterback helps his team to the College Football Playoff more often than not.
No doubt that Bryce Young from Alabama (2021 winner) and Kyler Murray from Oklahoma (2018 winner) deserved the awards. They also played quarterback at tradition-rich schools.
So what about the other possible candidates as the 2023 season fastly approaches?
While signal callers deserve a lot of attention, no question, players at other positions need to be considered. Plus, not all of the Heisman candidates at quarterback have been given true credit.
With all of that in mind, here were five Heisman candidates – with some BetMGM odds mixed in – that fans should take as serious candidates to win the famous award.
That’s followed by an in-depth podcast that was truly eye opening from Bill Bender and Bill Trocchi from College Football Nation. They broke down 25 top college quarterbacks, any one of which could certainly end up in heading to the Heisman finals at the very least.
Now, onto the players that probably deserve more notice than they’ve received so far.
Marvin Harrison, Jr., Wide Receiver, Ohio State Buckeyes
The son of NFL Hall of Fame inductee Marvin Harrison, the younger of the two has been built completely differently. The Buckeye stands 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds. His dad was only 6-foot and 185 pounds.
He still has his father’s speed and it has been magnified with a huge wingspan and contested-catch skills. Harrison went for 77 receptions, 1,263 yards, 16.4 average, and 14 touchdowns last season.
It will be interesting to see how he fares with C.J. Stroud being drafted into the NFL by the Houston Texans, but Harrison’s talent cannot be denied. He’s probably the best bet of any non-quarterback to make the trip to New York City.
Notable 2023 games: at Notre Dame (Sep. 23), Penn State (Oct. 21), and at Michigan (Nov. 25).
Michael Penix, Jr., Quarterback, Washington Huskies
From this list, Penix was rated the highest. Still, MGM had him only No. 7 overall. Checking out what Penix did in 2023, it provided credence that he should be rated a bit higher.
Penix threw for 4,641 yards, connecting on 65.3% of his passing attempts, and throwing 31 touchdowns to only 8 interceptions.
Without Penix, UDub probably would not be a team that many media pundits discuss. He was clutch for a team that did not lose a home game, knocked off Texas in the bowl game, and went 11-2 in 2023. Yes, the former Tampa (Fla.) Tech signal caller has traveled all the way up to the Great Northwest, but he should not be forgotten with the 2023 Heisman race.
Notable 2023 games: at Michigan State (Sep. 16), Oregon (Oct. 14), and at Southern California (Nov. 4).
Tyler Van Dyke, Quarterback, Miami Hurricanes
After a tremendous end of the 2021 season, Van Dyke and the Hurricanes struggled for much of the 2022 campaign. Most notably, Van Dyke suffered two shoulder injuries that held him to playing in just nine games in total.
When Van Dyke has been on, he’s been on fire, however. His arm strength and experience make him an intriguing 2023 Heisman candidate even if there’s not a ton of buzz about him now. He will be the leader for Miami this next season, so he will get his chance to show everyone what he’s capable of.
Notable 2023 games: Texas A&M (Sep. 9), at North Carolina (Oct. 14), Clemson (Sep. 21), and Florida State (Nov. 11).
Sam Hartman, Quarterback, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
After throwing 110 touchdowns as a member of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and 77 of those touchdown tosses during the past two seasons alone, Hartman has transferred to play his last season of college football for the Irish.
Having a much better offensive line, an incredible running back talent like Audric Estime, and a budding group of young pass catchers will help him put up big numbers again in 2023.
It’s also the fact that Hartman will be doing it for Notre Dame, a national brand that has an enormous national, and even global, following. He was placed with +1400 Heisman odds.
If the Notre Dame quarterback helps his Irish knock off at least two of their toughest opponents in 2023, it would be likely that Hartman at least makes a trip to New York City for the Heisman ceremony.
Notable 2023 games: Ohio State (Sep. 23), Southern California (Oct. 14), and at Clemson (Nov. 4).
Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia Bulldogs
Only a sophomore this next season, Starks was a rare starter for Kirby Smart’s squad during his first year in Athens. He produced in many ways for the Bulldogs.
44 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles, and 68 overall for a team that blew out the majority of its opponents by the middle of the third quarter. Thus, Starks was often out of the game earlier than players for many other teams.
He also registered 7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 1.5 tackles for loss. With a year of experience, and an additional spring practice, look for Starks to take another step forward with the Georgia defensive scheme.
Further, expect to see him moved around to different positions on the field to keep offenses guessing. Starks will be one of college football’s most exciting players.
Notable 2023 games: at Auburn (Sep. 23), Kentucky (Sep. 30), in Jacksonville versus Florida (Oct. 28), and Ole Miss (Nov. 11).
2024 Recruiting Rankings: Florida's Top 25 Prospects
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