Heisman Trophy watch 2021: Top 5 candidates after Week 1

Remember, this list isn’t about just Week 1 of the college football season, and despite a slow start to the season, Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler isn’t going anywhere.

Rattler, a former five-star quarterback and the preseason favorite to win the Heisman Trophy went 30-for-39 for 304 yards and a touchdown in a 40-35 win over Tulane for the Sooners. Yet the star quarterback also tossed two interceptions and almost had a third.

Make no mistake, a home loss to Tulane could have sunk his candidacy or at the very least, knocked him off the perch of being a favorite.

But one sluggish outing, in a win, won’t do that. Rattler is going to have some chances to shine including against Nebraska next week, which still brings attention even though the Huskers aren’t who they used to be.

Then, big games await against Texas, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and a Kansas State team that looks better than advertised.

If the Sooners are still a viable national title contender and Rattler is the main reason, he’ll be in the mix and I still expect some gaudy numbers.

But, his first outing makes the race feel more wide open.