Predicting The Top 10 Way-Too-Early Heisman Contenders For 2016 CFB Season

Heisman Contenders For 2016 CFB Season

As usual, talent is going to be flooding the scene in the 2016 college football season. Although bowl season is just about to go down, which means the 2016 season might seem like a lifetime from now, it is never too early to check out that next crop of Heisman contenders. So here we are, doing just that.

Side note: Just remember this is a way-too-early list — things are bound to change. Also, many players can still declare, and this list is assuming Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry both take the leap to the pros.

As usual, talent is going to be flooding the scene in the 2016 college football season. Although bowl season is just about to go down, which means the 2016 season might seem like a lifetime from now, it is never too early to check out that next crop of Heisman contenders. So here we are, doing just that.

Side note: Just remember this is a way-too-early list — things are bound to change. Also, many players can still declare, and this list is assuming Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry both take the leap to the pros.

10. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

Josh Rosen was a freshman this year, yet he still managed to rack up 3,351 passing yards and 20 TDs. Year 2 ought to be something special.

9. Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon

Royce Freeman went way under the radar in 2015. Still, he managed to rack up 1,706 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. If Oregon gets off to a fast start in 2016, expect to see Freeman's name near the top of the Heisman list.

8. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

It certainly was the year of the running back. After all, Dalvin Cook is yet another RB who put up amazing stats (1,658 rushing yards, 18 TDs), but didn't even get invited to the Heisman party.

7. Seth Russell, QB, Baylor

With Seth Russell in the lineup, Baylor has the best offense in the country. Any questions?

6. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Baker Mayfield just missed out on being a Heisman finalist, he is a quarterback and he plays for Oklahoma — he is going to be a true contender in 2016.

5. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

Nick Chubb could run away with the award if he doesn't miss a beat in 2016. He was a top contender before he went down to an injury this season, after all.

4. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

Christian McCaffrey went absolutely off in 2015. I mean, he broke the single-season record for all-purpose yards. If he can somehow manage to pull that off once again, it would be a crime if he didn't come away with the Heisman hardware.

3. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Deshaun Watson was a finalist this season, so why wouldn't he be a finalist next season? Being a year older and a year wiser is a very valuable thing in this sport.

2. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

At one point during the season, Leonard Fournette looked like the best player college football has ever seen. In the end, he racked up 1,741 rushing yards and 18 TDs. Next year ought to be a good one for the LSU running back.

1. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State

The QB situation at Ohio State was a mess in 2015, and probably no one predicted that one. In 2016, J.T. Barrett should get the keys to the offense right away, which means he should have no problem storming to the top of the Heisman leaderboard right away.