NCAA Football

Top 10 Heisman Trophy Candidates Heading Into Week 12

Top 10 Heisman Trophy Candidates Heading Into Week 12

Stanford v Oregon
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The college football regular season is sadly just a few weeks away from its conclusion, but the Heisman race is still up for grabs. A select few are separating themselves while some on the outside of the race are sticking around. Here are the top 10 Heisman trophy candidates heading into the twelfth week of games.

10. QB Bryce Petty

Kansas v Baylor
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10. QB Bryce Petty

Kansas v Baylor
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School: Baylor

Stats: 2,421 passing yards, 21 TDs and 3 INTs

Petty was considered among favorites at the beginning of the season, but has fallen off the map lately. However, he continues to produce as his Baylor Bears are still holding onto hope for a College Football Playoff berth.

9. QB Nick Marshall

Texas A&M v Auburn
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9. QB Nick Marshall

Texas A&M v Auburn
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School: Auburn

Stats: 1,576 passing yards, 14 TDs and 4 INTs, 11 rushing TDs

Marshall has been extremely impressive recently, going from slightly above average to elite in one season. His dual-threat ability has made him deadly; he's rushed for seven touchdowns in his last three games alone.

8. QB Jameis Winston

Wake Forest v Florida State
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8. QB Jameis Winston

Wake Forest v Florida State
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School: Florida State

Stats: 2,540 passing yards, 17 TDs and 11 INTs

There's no doubt, Winston hasn't been nearly as impressive this season after winning the award a year ago. However, he's still stepping up in big situations and making sure his team wins games. That's as good a measure of value as any stat.

7. RB Duke Johnson

North Carolina v Miami
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7. RB Duke Johnson

North Carolina v Miami
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School: Miami (FL)

Stats: 1,213 rushing yards, 9 TDs

He's been flying under the radar this season, but Johnson has been one of the best backs in the country this year. As he continues to pile up yards and touchdowns, he will get more and more national recognition.

6. WR Amari Cooper

Alabama v LSU
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6. WR Amari Cooper

Alabama v LSU
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School: Alabama

Stats: 79 catches, 1,215 yards and 10 TDs

Statistically, Cooper is putting together one of the better college receiving seasons in quite some time. There was a time he was in the top five watch for this award, but other players have simply emerged because it's easier to be impressive week to week at positions that aren't wide receiver.

5. RB Ameer Abdullah

Rutgers v Nebraska
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5. RB Ameer Abdullah

Rutgers v Nebraska
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School: Nebraska

Stats: 1,250 yards and 17 TDs

Abdullah not only has incredible stats, but also has been explosive in doing so. He may be the biggest big-play threat in all of college football, and that will make him a hot commodity when NFL teams are considering drafting him.

4. QB Trevone Boykin

Kansas State v TCU
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4. QB Trevone Boykin

Kansas State v TCU
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School: TCU

Stats: 2,691 yards, 23 TDs and 4 INTs

Boykin is college football's best-kept secret as he leads TCU toward a College Football Playoff berth. He was a very average quarterback last season, but his drastic improvement has helped give the Horned Frogs a chance at a playoff spot.

3. RB Melvin Gordon III

Wisconsin v Purdue
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3. RB Melvin Gordon III

Wisconsin v Purdue
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School: Wisconsin

Stats: 1,501 yards and 19 TDs

Gordon, in Wisconsin's run-heavy system, is piling up yards and touchdowns by the week. He's having one of the best rushing seasons in recent memory and will undoubtedly at least receive an invitation to the award ceremony in New York.

2. QB Dak Prescott

Auburn v Mississippi State
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2. QB Dak Prescott

Auburn v Mississippi State
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School: Mississippi State

Stats: 2,231 yards, 18 TDs and 7 INTs, 779 rushing yards, 11 TDs

Prescott is the lead man on the best team in college football, so he has to be right near the top of any Heisman discussion. His dual-threat ability is among the best in the country. If his Bulldogs win out and he is impressive in those wins, Prescott will seriously challenge for the award.

1. QB Marcus Mariota

Stanford v Oregon
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1. QB Marcus Mariota

Stanford v Oregon
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School: Oregon

Stats: 2,780 yards, 29 TDs and 2 INTs, 524 rushing yards and 8 TDs

Mariota might be the best college quarterback since Andrew Luck, and his efficiency proves it. Throwing for nearly 30 TDs and almost no interceptions while also rushing for eight scores, Mariota is proving that at this point, he's by far the best overall player in college football.

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