Heisman watch: Trevor Lawrence opens door for Justin Fields, Mac Jones; welcome Graham Mertz

Heisman watch candidate No. 10: Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State

After Chuba Hubbard and the Cowboys got off to an inauspicious start to their season against Tulsa, it seemed like the running back didn’t have a Heisman run in the cards. Since then, however, he’s clearly tried to prove that untrue and Saturday’s performance in a critical win over Iowa State was a testament to that.

Hubbard led the way for Oklahoma State with 25 carries for 139 yards and a touchdown along with a 21-yard reception as the Pokes handled their toughest test to date this season and remained perfect on the year. Hubbard now has over 500 yards rushing and five scores in five games this season. If he can keep that up and OSU keeps winning, the buzz will start to grow once again.

Heisman watch candidate No. 9: Graham Mertz, QB, Wisconsin

When it was announced that Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan would miss the start of the season due to injury, the questions about young Graham Mertz stepping in were swirling, wondering if the Badgers offense could survive with him. Well, in the season-opening win over Illinois on Friday night, the former 4-star recruit seemingly answered those questions with aplomb as he put forth an almost pristine effort.

Mertz diced up the Fighting Illini, going 20-of-21 for 248 yards and five touchdowns. For a team that has long succeeded on the back of their rushing attack, it was a shock to the system to see Mertz perform and produce at that level. The question now becomes if he can keep it up, which is why he’s as low as he is in his debut in the Heisman rankings. But based on one game, he’s certainly a player to keep an eye on.