15 off-the-radar Heisman Trophy candidates for 2016
By Brad Rowland
No. 5 – Mason Rudolph, QB Oklahoma State
If not for the existence of Patrick Mahomes II, Mason Rudolph would be the second-best (hello, Baker Mayfield) returning quarterback in the Big 12. What potentially separates Rudolph from Mahomes, though, is team success.
Oklahoma State is simply the more talented team from top to bottom, leaving the door open for a potential run at glory that would light the way for Rudolph’s Heisman candidacy. At this point, it seems at least somewhat far-fetched that Rudolph would actually outproduce a player like Mahomes, the Cowboys being a legitimate Big 12 threat without the stigma of Rudolph being a “system” quarterback could be huge.
With all of that said, Rudolph did produce in a big way as a sophomore in 2015. He threw for 3,770 yards and 21 touchdowns in 13 games, and that was good enough to rank within the top five of the conference in virtually every major category. Rudolph absolutely must make a leap from a production and efficiency standpoint to reach even the periphery of the Heisman Trophy discussion, but Oklahoma State’s offenses have been prolific enough in the past to inspire some confidence.
In the interest of full disclosure, Mason Rudolph is fairly low on the list when comparing the 15 players in this post, but he does have the upside needed to generate buzz.
Next: Bo Scarbrough