Pitt’s Kenny Pickett Won’t Win the Heisman, but Here's Why He Should

In a season filled with Heisman Trophy nominees flip-flopping each week on the WynnBET odds board, there's one player that's been seemingly left out of the conversation: Pitt's Kenny Pickett.

The fifth-year senior has put up eye-popping numbers in the Panthers' offensive scheme, leading his team to the ACC Championship game this Saturday against Wake Forest as 3-point favorites. With their 31-14 road win at Syracuse, Pickett broke Hall of Famer Dan Marino's all-time single season touchdown record in a season. And they've still got two games to go!

Despite Pickett's breakout year, WynnBET has not had him amongst their top candidates all season, and is now including him amongst "The Field" for remaining candidates. Here's a look at where the Heisman odds stand heading into Championship Week.

Updated Odds to win the Heisman Trophy

Updated as of Sunday, November 28th, 2021

• Bryce Young - Alabama: -250 (Last Week +140)
• CJ Stroud - Ohio State: +300 (Last Week -220)
• Field: +1200 (Last Week: +4000)
• Matt Corral - Ole Miss: +2500 (Last Week +4000)
• Desmond Ridder - Cincinnati: +8000
• Sepncer Sanders - Oklahoma State: +50000
• Frank Gore Jr - Southern Miss: +500000

Let's take a closer look at why Pickett warrants consideration on his own regard.

3 Reasons Why Kenny Pickett Should Win the 2021 Heisman Trophy

1. Amongst Power 5 Conferences, His Stats are the Best in FBS

While Western Kentucky's Bailey Zappe could pass Joe Burrow's record-breaking season with nine more touchdowns in his final two games (record is 60), Pickett has more passing yards than both Bryce Young of Alabama as well as C.J. Stroud of Ohio State. He's also tied with Young for 40 touchdowns on the season.

2. He's Been the Most Consistent QB in College Football

Pickett has thrown for 2+ touchdowns in every game, and while he's added four picks in his last three games (has seven total on the season), none of them ending up being the difference in games that Pitt won or lost this season.

But for those saying, "Ben, his interception vs. UNC forced overtime! How can you say it wasn't costly?"

Pickett immediately brought the Panthers back into the end zone in OT on an 11-yard pass to Lucas Krull which ended up being the game-winner. The reason Bryce Young is back in contention for the Heisman is due to his play at the end of the game after playing terrible vs. Auburn for 58 minutes. Shouldn't Pickett be granted a similar narrative?

3. Don't Blame Pickett for Pitt's Schedule

The argument for, "Well, they didn't play anyone," falls on deaf years for me, especially if you're in a Power 5 conference. All players can do is play the teams that fall on their schedule, and Pickett performed in every single game this year to the point where they're favorites to win the ACC Championship.

Sure, they had a rough loss at home to Western Michigan in Week 3, but Pickett threw for six touchdowns and just one interception. That seems like a difficult loss to pin on him. The same goes in their loss to Miami, where he racked up 519 passing yards, a school-record with three touchdowns. Pitt was down by 14 before the first five minutes even went off the clock! Again, a touch spot to blame the quarterback.

For a full betting breakdown on the ACC Championship, you can read Matt De Saro's report here.