Ranking 2021 Heisman Trophy contenders going into championship week

Heisman Trophy Candidate No. 4: Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

While the ACC has sort of been an afterthought this season after Clemson fell from the ranks of playoff contention, that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some great stories.

Kenny Pickett is one of them. The senior has led the Panthers to the ACC title game and is fifth in the nation in passing yards (4,005) and 2nd in touchdown passes (40).

Unfortunately, beating Wake Forest for the ACC title, even if throws for 500 yards, may not sway a ton of Heisman Trophy voters but maybe he could get to New York. That’d still be a big deal.

Heisman Trophy Candidate No. 3: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Stroud is in a weird spot. He’s got a good chance of finishing as the runner-up, but it doesn’t seem like there is much chance he will win.

But there seems to be a very real chance that Bryce Young will falter against Georgia. If he plays incredibly well in a loss, he will probably win. If the Tide wins, and Young plays well, he will certainly win the award.

I just don’t see how Stroud could pass Young at this point? The stats are similar and Young had his team playing for a championship, while Stroud’s lost by 15 on the road as a touchdown favorite.

Scott Frost won the Heisman Trophy after a beatdown at the hands of Colorado, so you never know, but I have a had time seeing it happen for Stroud.