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College football’s top 15 Heisman Trophy candidates heading into spring

By Jerran Anderson

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Well, college football’s spring season is right around the corner. Here’s a look at some early Heisman candidates to keep an eye on.

In 2016, Heisman winner Lamar Jackson became the first player in Louisville history to win the trophy. Jackson will have a lot of competition to win the Heisman Trophy this upcoming season, however, to win back-to-back Heisman awards.

Jackson became the youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy a season ago. At 19 years of age, he is five days younger than 2013 Heisman winner Jameis Winston. Winston also won the award at 19.

Next season, there should be a lot more quarterbacks in the mix to challenge Jackson. The USC Trojans, Alabama Crimson Tide, Oklahoma Sooners and Ohio State Buckeyes are a few teams to watch with Heisman hopeful quarterbacks.

Not to mention, the Penn State Nittany Lions who have a two-headed monster in quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley. They are a couple names to watch in the Big Ten Conference in 2017.

Last season’s field also saw some defensive players getting votes too. Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers finished fifth in voting among the Heisman finalists with 208 points. Next season could have a few more names on the defensive side of the ball up for Heisman Trophy honors. But 2017 features an offense-heavy list of Heisman candidates.

With spring games on the horizon, here’s a look at some early Heisman candidates.

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