Heisman Trophy watch 2021: Top 5 contenders after Week 6

Heisman Trophy Candidate No. 3: Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State

Running backs and basically every position but quarterback is at a disadvantage in the Heisman Trophy race but Devonta Smith won it last year and if Kenneth Walker III keeps playing the way he did last Saturday against Rutgers, another non-QB could win in 2021.

As I’ve said, running backs need to put up huge numbers to win or even contend for the Heisman. It’s just a fact and so far, Walker is doing just that.

He was held under 100 yards twice this season including a recent game against Nebraska, but against Rutgers, he ran for 232 yards and a touchdown, including a spectacular 94-yard effort.

It was his second 200-yard game against a Big Ten opponent this season and the fact that Michigan State is still undefeated helps immensely.

Much like Stroud, he will have plenty of chances to impress as games loom against Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, and hopefully, Iowa. Walker will have the same chance as Stroud and don’t look now, but he’s on pace for more than 1,800 yards.

If he gets to the Big Ten title game and hits 2,000, the Heisman is a definite possibility.