Each week of the college football season reshuffles the Heisman race. Preseason favorites can stumble and new names can rise quickly. Three weeks in we have already seen both ends of the spectrum, from breakouts like Sawyer Robertson to high-profile struggles like Arch Manning and DJ Lagway.
Here is a look at the biggest risers, the fallers, and who would be headed to New York if the season ended today.
Risers
Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
Robertson has lit up a few decent defenses to open the season, including Auburn and SMU. He has already thrown for 1,070 yards and 10 touchdowns while protecting the football, avoiding turnovers against both opponents. That alone shows how far he has come since last year.
Next up is Baylor’s conference opener against reigning Big 12 champion Arizona State. Another 300-yard, multi-touchdown performance in that game would make him one of the top names on Heisman betting boards.
Devon Dampier, QB, Utah
Utah is off to a strong start in the Big 12 thanks in large part to Dampier. The former New Mexico standout has thrown for 628 yards with 7 touchdowns while adding 198 rushing yards. His running ability is no surprise since he piled up more than 1,100 rushing yards last season, but his growth as a passer has been just as important.
He has yet to throw an interception this season after posting a one-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio last year. The question now is whether his passing numbers will be strong enough to keep his name in the Heisman conversation. For now he has Utah looking like a contender.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Coleman entered the season underrated, but that label will not stick for long. He has already posted 288 rushing yards in two games against Colorado State and UC Davis, and he has a showcase opportunity in two weeks when Washington hosts Ohio State.
With defenses forced to account for quarterback Demond Williams Jr.’s mobility, Coleman often runs with less pressure, which only increases his production. Expect him to keep racking up numbers and stay in the Heisman discussion, even if he remains a longshot to win it.
Fallers
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Manning entered the season as the betting favorite, but three weeks in his Heisman campaign has already unraveled. Week 1 in Columbus was rough as Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia threw NFL-level schemes at him that left the kid rattled. Week 2 against San Jose State offered better stats, but the tape told a different story.
Then came UTEP, the kind of matchup where a Heisman contender pads the numbers and builds confidence. Instead Manning managed only 114 passing yards and drew boos from the home crowd. Through three games Manning sits at just 579 yards with 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
The talent is still there, but the aura is gone. For now the Heisman dream is dead and the bigger question is whether Manning can steady Texas enough to keep them competitive in the SEC.
DJ Lagway, QB, Florida
Lagway’s struggles have mirrored Florida’s rough start. After a crushing loss to USF, he threw five interceptions against LSU under the lights in Baton Rouge. That brought his season total to six picks, tied for the second-most in the country.
Lagway missed nearly the entire offseason with an injury, which likely slowed his development. Still, Heisman contenders do not post stat lines like the one he produced against LSU. Regardless of whether or not he can turn this around for the Gators, unfortunately for Lagway his Heisman case is already finished.
Jeremyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love remains one of the most talented backs in college football, but his Heisman case has slipped because of usage. He carried the ball only 10 times in the opener against Miami, and Notre Dame has already faced its two toughest opponents without him producing big numbers.
He should still put up strong season-long stats, but the lack of a breakout performance in a marquee game will hurt his candidacy. Love is an elite player, but the Heisman hype is fading.
If the Ceremony Were Today
Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
Robertson has the numbers, the wins, and the highlight throws. Right now he would be the favorite to take home the trophy.
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
The Washington State transfer has thrived in Norman, carrying over familiarity with coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s system. He proved himself immediately with a gritty performance against Michigan, throwing for 270 yards and adding 74 on the ground. Mateer looks ready to handle the SEC spotlight.
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
Beck has been efficient and explosive, helping Miami beat both Notre Dame and USF to solidify the Hurricanes as a top-ten team. Through three games he has thrown for 812 yards and 7 touchdowns while completing more than 80 percent of his passes against the Bulls.
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M
Reed is coming off a career-defining win at Notre Dame, throwing for 360 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 41-40 thriller. Combined with his dual-threat ability, Reed has Texas A&M firmly in the SEC mix and himself convincingly in the Heisman race.
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