Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
BERKELEY, CA – DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Chase Garbers #7 of the California Golden Bears passes against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Berkeley, California. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the California Golden Bears 23-13. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA – DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Chase Garbers #7 of the California Golden Bears passes against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Berkeley, California. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the California Golden Bears 23-13. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

Pac-12 North

California Golden Bears: Chase Garbers, QB

If you look at Chase Garbers’ numbers with Cal last year, he’s not exactly a player that screams Heisman Trophy caliber. After all, he barely eclipsed 1,500 yards passing with only 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, even if he did rush for 420 yards. However, at the quarterback spot for a Power 5 program, he has the best chance on the Golden Bears to make some noise.

Oregon Ducks: Justin Herbert, QB

This one should come as no surprise. It’s more surprising that Justin Herbert chose to return to school for another year than it is that he’s a Heisman contender. The Oregon quarterback threw for over 3,100 yards last season with 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions. With a strong offensive line and great pass-catchers supporting him, he could be due for a monster season.

Oregon State Beavers: Jermar Jefferson, RB

Amidst an abysmal 2-10 season for the Oregon State Beavers last season, freshman running back Jermar Jefferson was one of the few bright spots. Jefferson took 239 carries for 1,380 yards and 12 touchdowns on the year while also adding 147 receiving yards. While it’s hard to imagine the Beavers simply being good enough overall to have a viable candidate, Jefferson taking a step forward and being even better is their best chance at that happening.

Stanford Cardinal: K.J. Costello, QB

There weren’t many people buying stock in K.J. Costello coming into last season. But the Stanford quarterback submitted an impressive 2018 campaign that got people buzzing, throwing for 3,540 yards, 29 scores and 11 interceptions. If he can improve further as he comes into his final season at Stanford, Costello could be a dark horse to watch.

Washington Huskies: Jacob Eason, QB

Jacob Eason started as a true freshman for Georgia before succumbing to injury early in his sophomore campaign and then losing his job to Jake Fromm. Now he’s in Seattle looking to fill the shoes of Jake Browning with the Washington Huskies. The top-overall recruit from the 2016 class, Eason’s talent is undeniable and, if he can reach his potential, he has the natural ability to be a game-changer that makes Chris Petersen’s team a College Football Playoff contender.

Washington State Cougars: Gage Gubrud or Anthony Gordon, QB

The battle for the Washington State quarterback job continues between graduate transfer Gage Gubrud and fifth-year senior Anthony Gordon. Whoever wins the job, though, is the leading candidate for the Cougars. In Mike Leach’s offense, the quarterback is going to sling it all over, as shown by Gardner Minshew’s dominant 2018 season after transferring from East Carolina. Either Gubrud or Gordon will have that opportunity in 2019.