Heisman rankings – Week 2: Will Grier looks unstoppable

4. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

In truth, looking at Tua Tagovailoa right now as a Heisman Trophy candidate is more about projection than anything. Sure, he might be the odds-on favorite to win according to the sportsbooks, but his actual production to this point hasn’t been overwhelming, at least in terms of yardage. Yes, he has six passing touchdowns and one rushing, but he’s thrown for only 455 yards and rushed for only 46.

Even still, the Alabama Crimson Tide product is showing that the magic he put on display in the National Championship Game last year was no fluke. The Ewa Beach, HI native is clearly the real deal and, as the Crimson Tide step up their level of competition, he should have more opportunity to showcase his talents and get the stats to match the narrative.

3. Nick Brossette, RB, LSU

I’m putting Nick Brossette at No. 3 in these rankings, which is likely going to surprise some people. However, I believe that what he’s done through the first two weeks of the season is impressive enough to warrant that. What’s more, as was the case when talking about Tagovailoa, I think he’s in a position where he’s only going to get better and seem more legitimate as more high-caliber opponents come up against him.

Brossette started off with 22 carries for 125 yards and two touchdowns in LSU’s rout of the Miami Hurricanes last week. To make sure everyone remembered the name, the senior then took 19 carries for 137 yards on Saturday in a walkover of Southeastern Louisiana. What’s clear is that he’s the real deal and, if he keeps rolling and getting this work, his numbers are going to be wholly impressive.