Heisman rankings: Jalen Hurts picks up where Kyler Murray left off

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 1: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs in the backfield against the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Cougars 49-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

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AUSTIN, TX – AUGUST 31: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns throws a pass in the third quarter against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

6. Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas

After losing two consecutive season-openers, the Texas Longhorns and Sam Ehlinger didn’t leave anything in doubt on Saturday night against Louisiana Tech. The veteran quarterback came out and made a statement with a strong performance as the Longhorns rolled to a 45-14 victory, spearheaded by their signal-caller’s performance.

On the night, Ehlinger completed 28 of his 38 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 34 yards. The touchdown production is good but, if Ehlinger is going to cement himself as a finalist for the award, the yardage needs to increase. Even still, if the quarterback can indeed solidify the notion that Texas is (truly, actually, finally) back, that may be enough to get him an invite to New York City.

5. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers opened up the 2019 season on the road against South Florida and took care of business in a 49-0 victory. And while quarterback Jack Coan showed some impressive throws (and looks to be an upgrade over Alex Hornibrook), running back Jonathan Taylor left no doubt that he’s the focal point of the Badgers offense as he was an uncontainable force against the Bulls.

Taylor went off for 135 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries in Wisconsin’s season-opener but didn’t stop there. The veteran back was also the team’s leading receiver as he notched 48 receiving yards and took both of his receptions into the end zone. With four total touchdowns and over 180 total yards already to his credit, Taylor’s quest for a Heisman is off to a strong start.

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