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5 reasons Josh Rosen can win the 2016 Heisman Trophy

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) sets to pass in the second quarter of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) sets to pass in the second quarter of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora congratulates quarterback Josh Rosen (3) after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora congratulates quarterback Josh Rosen (3) after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

He’s the leader of a contending team

Although the process always doesn’t select the most deserving players, Heisman finalists are often high-profile players from major conference programs. As one of the most hyped quarterbacks in the country on a team that should start the season right around the edge of the top 25 rankings, Rosen fits that criteria.

With Rosen’s help, the Bruins will hope to get out of a cycle of perennial underachievement and establish themselves as a top 10 or 15 program. This year will be a great opportunity for Rosen to not only start reaching his huge ceiling, but showing the difference he can make for a team who should be in contention for a New Year’s Six spot based on talent alone.

The Bruins lost a lot from an experienced receiver core and have plenty of questions on the offensive line. However, if they can get past Texas A&M in a challenging yet entirely winnable game, the schedule might open up.

Playing at BYU is a major challenge, but the Cougars will be welcoming in a new head coach and have a lot to replace. The Bruins get the likes of Stanford and California at home, with the toughest road games coming in Pullman and Berkeley.

Hated rival USC is likely the best team on paper in the division. However, the Trojans have an impossible schedule that includes Alabama, at Stanford and Notre Dame, plus a visit to the Rose Bowl.

With a new offense and a quarterback of Rosen’s caliber, a Pac-12 south title and very prestigious bowl game are well within reach for the Bruins. A huge season from Rosen with 10 wins for the Bruins could be the perfect formula for a Heisman run.

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