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

Quarterback Sam Darnold fared well when given the starting job for the USC Trojans. He capped off his strong nine-game winning streak with 453 passing yards and five passing touchdowns in the Trojans’ 52-49 comeback victory.

The Trojans trailed 49-35 before scoring 17 straight points in the fourth quarter. Darnold completed 62.3 percent of his passes, overcoming an interception he threw in the game. As a result, Darnold and the Trojans finished with their first 10-win season since 2013.

Darnold threw for 3,086 passing yards and 31 touchdowns a season ago. He was fourth in the Pac-12 in interceptions but with help on the way from the recruiting trail, all that could change.

Darnold will be a Heisman candidate to watch this spring. Although a majority of their new additions won’t arrive until the fall, they still have some experience returning at wide receiver in Deontay Burnett and Daniel Imatorbhebhe.

With a full season as starter, look for Darnold to lead USC back to the top of the Pac-12 Conference.