Heisman power rankings: Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and the top 10 preseason candidates

Heisman power rankings, No. 8: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

After three seasons and 21 appearances for the Hokies, Hendon Hooker arrived in Knoxville and, though he wasn’t initially the Vols’ starter, he took the job and ran with it when given the opportunity.

The veteran signal-caller was incredibly effective in the Josh Heupel Briles-style offense as he completed 68 percent of his throws for 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns and a mere three interceptions. He also rushed for 616 yards and five scores as well.

Hooker will undoubtedly have the numbers in his second season in this offensive system, but what makes his candidacy intriguing is the hype around Tennessee. If he’s the quarterback that’s able to lead the Vols back to national relevancy after they’ve been middling away for such a while, he’ll undoubtedly be worthy of getting his flowers.

Heisman power rankings, No. 7: Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami

Even if it came in the ill-fated final season under Manny Diaz, the biggest positive to come out of the 2021 season for Miami was the emergence of Tyler Van Dyke as just a redshirt freshman. And now he enters his redshirt sophomore campaign with a new head coach in Mario Cristobal and a near limitless ceiling for what he could be capable of.

Van Dyke played in only 10 games for The U last season but he delivered the goods when he helmed the offense. He finished the season throwing for 2,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and only six picks.

TVD doesn’t necessarily offer the rushing upside that some candidates do and the Miami receiving corps is a question mark coming into the year. With that being said, his talent has already been put on full display and he could come out after a year of experience and light the ACC ablaze.