4 Heisman Trophy snubs that deserved an invite to NYC

Caleb Williams, C.J. Stroud, Max Duggan, and Stetson Bennett were named 2022 Heisman Trophy finalists on Monday. Here are four players who got snubbed.

The 2022 college football season has ended, with conference champions being crowned this past weekend. On Sunday, the participants in all bowl games were announced, including the College Football Playoff. In the meantime, it is awards season, and perhaps the most followed individual award is the Heisman Trophy.

On Monday, the four finalists for the 2022 Heisman Trophy were revealed. There were three players who weren’t surprises in USC’s Caleb Williams, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, and TCU’s Max Duggan. However, there was one shocking finalist named, and it was Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett. Those four players will be in attendance for the award ceremony in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Yes, Bennett is the starting quarterback for the undefeated Bulldogs team, but he didn’t rank as one of the top at his position this season. That, and there were other players who were at the top of their game that were snubbed.

Here are four players who should’ve received an invite to the ceremony.

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The Texas Longhorns showed promises this year of being a potential contender in the Big 12, especially since they narrowly lost to the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 2. But, they suffered four losses, including to Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and TCU.

While the team did struggle, running back Bijan Robinson was still a star for the Longhorns.

Robinson ran for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns on 258 carries this season. That rushing yard total is the fifth-most in the entire nation. Additionally, Robinson caught 19 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns.

While Robinson may not have cracked the power rankings due to Texas’ shortcomings, his statistics were worthy of earning some Heisman consideration.

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Last year, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young won the Heisman in his first season as the starting quarterback. He did so after throwing for 4,872 yards, 47 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while owning a 66.9 completion percentage.

This year, Young didn’t get close to matching those numbers. Even so, he did have a solid season. He did overcome a right shoulder injury and have an epic 455 passing yard performance against the Tennessee Volunteers in their 52-49 loss on Oct. 15.

Through 11 games, Young recorded 3,007 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions while owning a 64.1 completion percentage.

Young wasn’t going to win the Heisman this year, but he’d be a more believable candidate than Bennett.

Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

Perhaps what hurt Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum’s chances to be named a Heisman finalist was how the team performed since he suffered a knee injury. After injuring his knee against Illinois, Corum played just two snaps in “The Game” against Ohio State, before it was announced he’d undergo season-ending surgery.

Donovan Edwards shined in Corum’s absence, running for 216 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio State and 185 yards and a touchdown in the Big Ten Championship Game against Purdue.

Even with Edwards’ fantastic showings, Corum’s contributions to Michigan can’t be overlooked. Corum ran for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns on 247 carries.

Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is, perhaps, one of the biggest surprises snubs. Obviously, his season ended in the penultimate week of the regular season after he tore his ACL against the South Carolina Gamecocks. But throughout the year, Hooker played like a top two favorite to win the year-end award.

Hooker had stellar performances throughout the season, such as his 385 passing yards and five passing touchdowns against Alabama. Not to mention, Hooker helped Tennessee earn five Top 25-ranked teams this season.

On the year, the senior quarterback recorded 3,135 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions, while running for 430 yards and five touchdowns on 104 carries.

Had Hooker not suffered a season-ending knee injury, one has to wonder if he would have been named a finalist for the Heisman. Based off of his play throughout the year, he should’ve received an invite to New York City.

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