Top 10 Heisman Trophy Candidates Heading Into 2016

By Brian Kalchik

Top 10 Heisman Trophy Candidates Heading Into 2016

Christian McCaffrey Stanford — The 2015 season has just one game remaining, but it's never too early to predict who will contend for the Heisman Trophy. Here are the 10 favorites heading into this offseason.

10. Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen UCLA

10. Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen UCLA — Rosen was heralded as the “Chosen One” before he even enrolled at UCLA. Though the Bruins went 8-5 and had a disappointing season, Rosen threw for 3,670 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, setting a school record for consecutive passes thrown without an interception. He’ll have a lot of new faces to work with on offense next season, but he is worthy of the hype.

9. Seth Russell

Seth Russell Baylor

9. Seth Russell

Seth Russell Baylor — In just seven games in 2015, Seth Russell threw for 2,104 yards and 29 touchdowns with just six interceptions and was firmly in the Heisman discussion. A neck injury ended his season, but he’s expected to make a full recovery. Baylor's offense is very quarterback friendly, and despite potentially losing Corey Coleman to the NFL, Russell has plenty of weapons to get the ball to.

8. J.T. Barrett

J.T. Barrett Ohio State

8. J.T. Barrett

J.T. Barrett Ohio State — J.T. Barrett had a Heisman-worthy freshman season, but an injury derailed his chances and Cardale Jones stole the show. This season, Jones struggled and Barrett put the Buckeyes back on track. With Jones and Braxton Miller both bound for the NFL, Barrett is the unquestioned starting quarterback. He is one of the best dual-threat players in the country and 2016 should be just like 2014.

7. Nick Chubb

Nick Chubb Georgia

7. Nick Chubb

Nick Chubb Georgia — Nick Chubb became an immediate star for the Bulldogs as a true freshman, rushing for 1,547 yards and 14 scores in 2014 as a backup to Todd Gurley. He was on his way to exceeding those numbers in 2015 before a gruesome knee injury against Tennessee ended his season. If he can regain his past form and avoid injuries, he will post career numbers in 2016.

6. Royce Freeman

Royce Freeman Oregon

6. Royce Freeman

Royce Freeman Oregon — The Ducks fell out of the spotlight due to a 3-3 start and no Marcus Mariota, but Royce Freeman was a workhorse all season long. The sophomore rushed for 100-plus yards in 10 out of 12 regular season games and had a monster bowl game against TCU. Freeman's numbers alone will get him Heisman talk that he missed out on this season.

5. Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook Florida State

5. Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook Florida State — After a disastrous Rose Bowl game a season ago, Dalvin Cook responded with a dominant 2015 season. He ended the season with 1,691 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, finishing seventh in the Heisman voting despite quarterback issues around him. Cook will be the focal point of the Seminoles' offense next season with yet another new quarterback, but he will produce big-time numbers once again.

4. Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield Oklahoma

4. Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield Oklahoma — Baker Mayfield has been a two-time walk-on, but he won't be anonymous going forward. Mayfield finished fourth in the Heisman voting in 2015, leading the Sooners to the College Football Playoff. He threw for 3,700 yards with 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions, adding 405 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He will also benefit from Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine returning in the Sooners' backfield.

3. Leonard Fournette

Leonard Fournette LSU

3. Leonard Fournette

Leonard Fournette LSU — Through his first seven games in 2015, Leonard Fournette was the Heisman favorite, especially after a dominant performance against Auburn. He ran for 1,352 yards and 15 touchdowns as the Tigers jumped out to a 7-0 record, but quarterback issues and questions about Les Miles' future derailed the Tigers. He still managed to finish sixth and will produce even better numbers next season.

2. Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Clemson

2. Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson Clemson — Deshaun Watson followed up an excellent freshman season with an even better sophomore campaign. He won the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s best quarterback and finished third in the Heisman voting. He is the best dual-threat quarterback today and gets both Wayne Gallman and Artavis Scott back for next season. If not for a record-setting running back from Stanford, Watson would be No. 1.

1. Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey Stanford

1. Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey Stanford — Christian McCaffrey was the runner-up for the Heisman this season, but after a dominant Rose Bowl performance against Iowa, he has to be considered the favorite for next season. The sophomore broke Barry Sanders’ record for all-purpose yards, and he can beat defenses as a runner, a receiver and as a returner. Stanford will feature McCaffrey a lot in 2016, because QB Kevin Hogan is going to the NFL following four outstanding seasons.

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