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Heisman Trophy 2016: Who got snubbed?

By Cody Williams

Dec 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy sits on a pedestal before the pre-announcement press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy sits on a pedestal before the pre-announcement press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi /

Jake Browning, QB — Washington

Had Jake Browning finished the season for the Washington Huskies a bit stronger, I truly believe that he more than likely would’ve been named a finalist. However, a poor showing in the Huskies’ lone loss to the USC Trojans and then an even worse showing in the Pac-12 Championship Game—though that was in a huge win—hurt him. When you look at the entire body of work that Browning put forth as a sophomore while taking Washington to the College Football Playoff, he still has a case.

On the season, Browning threw for 3,280 yards while completing 63.2 percent of his passes. Where he truly stands out, though, is in his scoring. Clubhouse leader to win the Heisman in Lamar Jackson is praised for his 50+ touchdowns on the season, but Browning was close to hitting that mark himself. Following the conference title game, Browning threw 42 touchdown passes on 2016 while rushing for four more. Even better, he did so while only throwing seven interceptions throughout the year.

Though he may not have gotten the nod this season, Browning will be one of the leading candidates to challenge Jackson next season for the Heisman. As a sophomore (also like Jackson), Browning will be back in Seattle next season with many of his weapons around him returning. If he submits a campaign as good or better than what he did in 2016, he’ll be impossible to discredit as a finalist.

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