2019 Heisman Trophy Rankings: Way too early look at next year’s race

The 2019 Heisman Trophy race is headlined by amazing quarterbacks and a few running backs who could steal the show. Who are the early leaders?

More: Breaking down Kyler Murray’s run to the 2018 Heisman

Kyler Murray followed in the footsteps of Baker Mayfield, winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy. That puts a cap on the 2018 regular season as the calendar turns toward bowl games and the College Football Playoff. Before we know it, though, the 2019 season will be here and a brand new Heisman Trophy race will begin.

Tua Tagovailoa was the favorite for most of the 2018 season before falling just short on championship weekend. Should he be anointed the frontrunner this early on or are there other challengers who have already done enough to merit discussion for the lead position in the race.

Normally we would do a list of honorable mentions in this spot, but for the way too early edition we will stick to the top five.

When Kelly Bryant left Clemson in the early part of the season, many were wondering what direction the offense would take with Trevor Lawrence behind center.

When the Tigers were down against Syracuse at home and Lawrence was injured in the teams first game without Bryant, Etienne stepped up to the plate and delivered an amazing three-touchdown performance. Clemson avoided the upset as he picked up the game-winner to keep the Tigers playoff hopes alive.

We predicted that Tavien Feaster would set the school single-season record for rushing touchdowns, but as the season progressed it was clear that Etienne was the main man in the backfield.

He finished the regular season with 1,463 rushing yards and 21 scores and was one of the nations best running backs.

He finished second in voting for the Doak Walker award and if he can have consistent play picking up rushing yards next season he could surpass Jonathan Taylor is the best running back in the nation.