Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football 2020: Top 5 Heisman candidates after Week 5

By Nick Fiore

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Kyle Trask #11 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Kyle Trask #11 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next

Another week has passed and we look at the top Heisman Trophy candidates in college football heading into Week 6. Some names might surprise you.

Another week of college football in the books and the landscape for this season is starting to get a little clearer. Alabama and Clemson are really good. Florida’s offense may be special, but their defense is a real problem. Texas is, in fact, not back. Oklahoma is a fraud. And maybe Mike Leach and KJ Costello aren’t ready to set the SEC on fire just yet.

While we’re getting clearer pictures of what each team will look like going forward, the Heisman picture is starting to clear up too. While we won’t have a complete idea of the Heisman race until the Big Ten returns in a few weeks, we’re getting an idea of who’s a real contender.

Here are a few guys outside my top five, who could sneak in if they continue their play

  • Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State

When the calendar hits October, its Brock Purdy’s time to shine. Brocktober got off to an incredible start with a huge upset win over Oklahoma. For whatever reason when fall starts, Purdy and the Cyclones hit full stride as Iowa State is 11-1 in the month since 2017. Purdy didn’t put up huge numbers, he only threw for 254 yards and one touchdown, he’s still a guy to have an eye on if Iowa State makes a run at the Big 12 title.

  • Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

I couldn’t mention Iowa State and not bring up Breece Hall who ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma. This year Hall has three straight 100+ rushing yard performances and has scored six touchdowns. Breece is currently fourth in the country in rushing yards. Maybe he turns out to be the Cyclone that is competing for an invite to New York City.

  • Shane Buechele, QB, SMU

Shane Buechele was awesome in SMU’s win over Memphis, throwing for 474 yards and three touchdowns. He’s currently leading the country in passing yards with 1,326, granted he’s already played in four games — but still. He likely isn’t going to win the Heisman playing in the AAC, but he’s going to be putting up monster numbers and if SMU runs the table, it might be tough to not invite Buechele to the Heisman ceremony.

  • KJ Costello, QB, Mississippi State

OK, so maybe we all jumped the gun a bit on KJ Costello and this Mississippi State offense. Looks like playing zone against the air-raid slows it down a bit. Who would have thought? Costello tossed three interceptions against Arkansas in a very bad loss. As long as Mike Leach is calling plays, Costello will still put up big-time numbers this year. He isn’t a legitimate Heisman candidate but he could continue to sneak into the top five after big time performances, which he’ll have a few more this year.

  • Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State

Chuba Hubbard was a dark-horse Heisman candidate coming into the season. His numbers have been solid, he rushed for 339 yards and four touchdowns in three games. Hubbard is one of the — if not the — most talented running backs in the country and could start putting up some insane numbers that puts him in the Heisman conversation. Don’t forget about Chuba.

Now, here’s the top five guys on my Heisman watch list as we head into Week 6.

Home/College Football News