Heisman Trophy watch 2021
Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III, left, dives over the goal line for a touchdown against Michigan's DJ Turner during the second quarter of an NCAA football game on Saturday in East Lansing, Mich. Credit: AP/Al Goldis
The 2021 college football season is in full swing. Time to look at who is emerging as a legit candidate for the Heisman Trophy.
1. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama, Soph.
Last week: Off
2021 stats: 187 of 267 (70%), 2,453 yards, 26 TDs, 3 INTs; 2 rushing TDs
The skinny: Young has been very efficient this season — he has had at least a 70% completion percentage in all but two of the Crimson Tide’s games.
Up next: vs. LSU on Saturday.
2. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State, Jr.
Last week (vs. Michigan, W 37-33): 23 carries, 197 yards, 5 TDs
2021 stats: 175 carries, 1,194 yards, 14 TDs; 8 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD
The skinny: Walker catapulted into the thick of the Heisman conversation with an incredible five-touchdown game against Michigan. He leads the nation in rush yards per game (149.2) and is tied for third in rushing touchdowns.
Up next: at Purdue on Saturday.
3. CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State, Fr.
Last week (vs. Penn State, W 33-24): 22 of 34 (64.7%), 305 yards, 1 TD
2021 stats: 147 of 219 (67.1%), 2,270 yards, 23 TDs, 3 INTs; 1 carry, 48 yards, 1 TD
The skinny: Stroud didn’t light up the boxscore in Ohio State’s win over Penn State, but he did what the Buckeyes asked of him, protecting the ball and moving the offense downfield with the help of star running back TreyVeon Henderson.
Up next: at Nebraska on Saturday.
4. Caleb Williams, QB, Oklahoma, Fr.
Last week (vs. Texas Tech, W 52-21): 23 of 30 (76.7%), 402 yards, 6 TDs
2021 stats: 78 of 109 (71.6%), 1,189 yards, 14 TDs, 1 INT; 31 carries, 288 yards, 4 TDs
The skinny: The conundrum continues: Will Williams’ big numbers so far be enough to overcome the fact that he will have played at most eight games for Heisman voters come December?
Up next: at Baylor on Nov. 13.
5. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss, Jr.
Last week (at Auburn, L 31-20): 21 of 37 (56.8%), 289 yards, INT; 10 carries, 45 yards, TD
2021 stats: 161 of 244 (66.0%), 2,202 yards, 15 TDs, 2 INTs; 110 carries, 519 yards, 10 TDs
The skinny: Corral suffered an ankle injury in the Rebels’ loss to Auburn, but he still was able to score a rushing touchdown. His season stats remain solid despite two losses. The last player to win the Heisman despite two regular-season losses was Johnny Manziel in 2012.
Up next: vs. Liberty on Saturday.
6. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh, Sr.
Last week (vs. Miami, L 38-34): 39 of 55 (70.9%), 519 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
2021 stats: 207 of 299 (69.2%), 2,755 yards, 26 TDs, 3 INTs; 64 carries, 185 yards, 3 TDs; 1 receiving TD
The skinny: Pickett certainly has put up the stats, but Pitt’s two losses —including Saturday’s against a struggling Miami — likely will hold him back.
Up next: at Duke on Saturday.
Nick Klopsis is Newsday.com's sports editor. He often can be found studying NFL and college football film for his latest draft breakdown.
