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Heisman Trophy: Top candidate from every Power 5 team in 2019

By Cody Williams

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 29: Lamical Perine #22 of the Florida Gators runs for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

SEC East

Florida Gators: Lamical Perine, RB

Lamical Perine is one of the biggest sleepers in college football this season. Despite his immense talent, it feels like he’s not being talked about nearly enough. Regardless, Perine will make his presence known when the season begins and will play a massive part in any offensive success that the Gators enjoy in the 2019 season.

Georgia Bulldogs: D’Andre Swift, RB

Look, you can say that Jake Fromm is the right pick here, but I don’t see it. Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has continually shown that they are a run-first team, which puts a defined ceiling on Fromm’s production. D’Andre Swift, however, is an elite running back that can make big plays seemingly at will and, with Elijah Holyfield gone, he should get the chance to truly shine.

Kentucky Wildcats: Terry Wilson, QB

With Benny Snell gone, the Kentucky offense may rely more on Terry Wilson in the 2019 season. A dual-threat quarterback that had just marginal production last season, Wilson needs to be more eye-popping to have the chance at the award. Playing a more featured role in the SEC, though, he should have his opportunity to do so.

Missouri Tigers: Kelly Bryant, QB

A postseason ban hangs a black cloud over the Missouri Tigers this season but they can certainly be a team that makes noise even if they don’t get into a bowl game. Clemson transfer Kelly Bryant proved with his previous Tigers team that he’s capable of making plays with his arm and legs. If he can pick up the offense quickly and make Missouri dangerous, his candidacy will be hard to ignore.

South Carolina Gamecocks: Bryan Edwards, WR

Many people might have Jake Bentley as the top Heisman candidate for South Carolina and it’s not hard to see why. The quarterback is a veteran that has occasionally put up big numbers. I don’t buy him being consistent enough for that to happen, though. Bryan Edwards, though, is a proven productive wide receiver that now isn’t overshadowed by Deebo Samuel.

Tennessee Volunteers: Jarrett Guarantano, QB

Wildcards are everywhere in the SEC and Jarrett Guarantano qualifies. The Tennessee quarterback has flashed obvious talent with his arm and ability to escape to make plays. However, he and the Volunteers have been unable to put the pieces together. That could start to truly change in year two under Jeremy Pruitt, which may elevate Guarantano to new heights.

Vanderbilt Commodores: Riley Neal, QB

After spending four seasons at Ball State, Riley Neal now makes his way to the SEC and has a lot of people buzzing. Though his stats from his time with Ball State aren’t going to cause anyone to pick their jaws off the floor, Neal has the talent and, as he joins a Commodores offense littered with talent, he could put his name on the map in a big way.