Heisman Trophy rankings 2020: Top 5 candidates and 5 darkhorse picks

4. Spencer Rattler – Oklahoma quarterback

This one is betting on pedigree and coaching over track record. Spencer Rattler is taking over under center for the Oklahoma Sooners, at least that’s what is believed at this point. Rattler is supremely talented, and he very well could see himself getting an invite to New York City (barring it still happens that way) once the votes are in.

Let’s look at Rattler as a player. He’s a natural passer that isn’t going to impress you physically but has the sweetest release. His throws come out quickly and make it to his target even faster. Yet, they don’t seem like they are bullets that wide receivers can’t catch. He can stretch plays, which is something Lincoln Riley knows how to game plan around. The most prevalent point to this argument is Rattler is one of the best throwers in the country despite never being a starting quarterback.

Oklahoma is bringing back the entire offensive line. That’s huge for a new quarterback. They also have star running back Kennedy Brooks making his return to run all over the Big 12. The team lost star receiver CeeDee Lamb, but Charleston Rambo is great in his own right. There’s a ton of talent on offense here, and it’s all meant to make Rattler look great.

Rattler might dink and dunk to start his season, which could hurt his stats overall and hurt his Heisman chances. However, it will avoid mistakes, which would hurt his chances even more. If he avoids interceptions with the new schedule the Big 12 put together, then he might see himself in Heisman contention all season.