Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates and 5 dark horse picks for 2021

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 19: Spencer Rattler #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks for an open receiver against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second quarter of the 2020 Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship football game at AT&T Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

14 of 15

Sam Howell, North Carolina Tar Heels. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

There isn’t a quarterback (or possibly even an offensive player) returning for the 2021 college football season that is more proven and accomplished statistically than North Carolina signal-caller Sam Howell. He started as a true freshman under Mack Brown in 2019 and, over the past two seasons, he’s done nothing but air it out to great effectiveness.

In 13 games as a freshman, Howell helped guide the Tar Heels to a winning season as he threw for 3,641 yards with 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, completing 61.4 percent of his passes. Last year in 12 contests, he was a more efficient player as he upped his completion rate by 6.7 percentage points and trhew for 3,586 yards and 30 touchdowns on 74 fewer attempts than in his first year as the starter.

With 68 passing touchdowns, six rushing touchdowns and over 7,000 passing yards to his credit already, Howell seems primed to take the next step. Yes, the Tar Heels are losing their four best offensive weapons last year but Brown has recruited extremely well and should have the offense reloaded. Plus, a quarterback like Howell can make stars out of his teammates.

The Tar Heels are a dark horse College Football Playoff team in their own right and, without a doubt, Howell’s ability is a big reason for that. But if he can continue to produce at this level and have North Carolina as a top-10 team this year, he’s going to be tough to beat out for the Heisman.