Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava can still win the Heisman Trophy, I just don’t think it’s very likely. Still, he’s a contender.
As I pointed out earlier this week, Iamaleava could be the best quarterback and/or player in the country and I don’t think he’ll get the same opportunity to win the award that I thought he’d have at the beginning of the season. Why? Because Tennessee can win in a number of ways, notably with a great defense.
Iamaleava has to do two things to win the Heisman Trophy. He has to play really well against two teams and, almost certainly, beat one. Of course, I’m talking about Alabama and Georgia. However, Iamaleava should get a boost this weekend considering the Vols can light it up against Arkansas, whose defense ranks No. 14 in the SEC.
There is now a clear cut leader for the Heisman Trophy. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has +220 odds to land sports’ most coveted award. He looks to have all the necessities to be victorious in New York at the Heisman ceremony in December. He’s big, athletic and plays for one of the best teams in the country, but don’t start betting on him just yet.
Players don’t win the Heisman Trophy in October and they sure don’t win it in September. Milroe has plenty of competition and is no lock to win the award. Far from it.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward (+500) may actually have the best path to winning the Heisman Trophy considering he plays in the ACC. The Hurricanes will play just one ranked team, No. 22 Louisville, for the remainder of the season. Ward should put up big numbers, but the schedule might actually work against him.
Cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter (+500) from Colorado deserves to be in the conversation. However, there could likely be some backlash from media members who don’t appreciate how Buffaloes’ coach Deion Sanders has treated the media. No, that’s not fair, but that will almost certainly be a factor when voters cast their ballot later this year.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (+1000) has put up mind-blowing numbers. However, he has two things working against him. First, he isn’t a quarterback. Second, Boise State’s schedule could allow Charlie Brown to ring up some yards for the Broncos given who they’re playing.
Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel (+1800) has begun to fall in the Heisman Trophy race. Once the leader, I never thought he would be a true contender. He’s put up great numbers, except for the fact that he’s just thrown nine touchdowns this season. By comparison, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart (+2000) has thrown 13 touchdown passes this season.
I’m ruling out Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (+2000) because he’s been injured and his backup, Arch Manning, has looked sharp, for the most part, while Ewers has been on the bench. Therefore, no matter what Ewers does, he’ll be viewed as a system quarterback since Manning has had success in the Longhorns’ offense.
I’m also ruling out Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (+2500) since I question his arm strength and overall ability. However, I’m not ruling out Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart (+2000) despite his recent drop because I think he’ll rebound from the Rebels’ loss last week and put up great numbers moving forward. Still, I feel like he has to shine in Ole Miss’ biggest games, namely LSU, Oklahoma and Georgia, to get back in the hunt, much like Iamaleava.
So based on the above and how I think the season will play out, here is how I believe my Heisman ballot will look when the regular season is complete:
1. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
2. Cam Ward, Miami
3. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
4. Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee
5. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
