Heisman rankings after Week 8: C.J. Stroud, TreVeyon Henderson both staking claim at Ohio State
Heisman Trophy rankings after Week 8: No. 3-1
3. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Kenny Pickett had been putting up huge numbers all year long for Pitt but the question was if he’d be able to keep it up against Clemson. He answered those questions with a 25-of-39, 302-yard, two-touchdown performance in a win over the Tigers.
The Panthers fifth-year starter now has 2,236 yards with 23 scores and only one interception this season, all of which are career-bests except for the yardage, though he’s on pace to better his top marks there. He also has 195 rushing yards and three more touchdowns, because why not. It’s not the sexy Heisman Trophy pick, but it might end up being the right one.
2. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Just looking at the box score after the game, it’s hard to knock Bryce Young down from the No. 1 spot as he led Alabama with 371 yards and two scores through the air along with two rushing touchdowns in the win over Tennessee. But when you get down to it, those stats are a bit misleading.
For as electric as Young can be, it does feel like it has the potential to come crashing down for at least a quarter or so, which is enough to derail his Heisman candidacy. Yes, he’s third in FBS with 26 passing touchdowns and sixth in yards with 2,453 but, even then, it just feels as if he’s not in favor to win the award, for whatever reason.
1. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
It’s legitimately hilarious to think that some Ohio State fans once opined that C.J. Stroud was the problem with this team. After another stellar performance, this time dicing up Indiana for 266 yards and four scores on 21-of-28 passing, there is no doubt that he’s not only the right guy but, in these rankings, that he’s the Heisman favorite.
Stroud on the season has completed 67.6 percent of his throws for 1,965 yards along with 22 touchdowns compared to only three interceptions. He’s also getting better as the year goes on, combining for 14 touchdowns and no interceptions over his last three games. Should this keep up, no one is going to be able to match the redshirt freshman’s production.
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