5 reasons Nick Chubb can win the 2016 Heisman Trophy

By John Buhler | May 16, 2016

Nov 22, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a touchdown against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Charleston Southern 55-9. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 6

Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Already has national recognition in the Power 5.

This is often an overlooked part of a Heisman hopeful’s candidacy, but if a player hopes to steal first-place votes from writers outside of their geographical region, the elite player must be on the Heisman voters’ radar before the season begins.

Fortunately for Chubb, he has been known for his ability to run the football at a high level for the Bulldogs since halfway through the 2014 NCAA season as a true freshman. He may be a dark horse contender at this point because he is coming off injury, but the Heisman voters are well are of who he is.

It will be difficult to dissuade Big 12, Big 10, and Pac-12 voters from siding with their best shot at winning a Heisman — Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett, and Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey, respectively — but the fact Chubb is in the discussion for the award this early in the race could work in his favor.

Yes, he will have to outperform LSU running back Leonard Fournette, Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, and Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson in his voting region, but if Alabama’s Derrick Henry can come from out of left field to win the 2015 Heisman Trophy, why can’t Chubb win it in 2016?

Next: 4. Georgia's 2016 schedule eases as the season progresses.

Home/College Football