Heisman Trophy watch 2022: Top 5 candidates heading into Week 7

AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Max Duggan #15 of the TCU Horned Frogs throws the ball in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 26, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 48-14 over the TCU Horned Frogs. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /

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2. Hendon Hooker

The revival of the Tennessee Volunteers has been fun to watch and Hendon Hooker deserves as much credit as anyone. Josh Heupel deserves credit too, especially seeing how productive is under his watchful eye.

Hooker was solid at Virginia Tech but nothing like this. He was really good last season and threw over 30 touchdowns compared to four interceptions. This season, he’s taken his game to another level and has 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions.

The Vols QB also ranks 3rd in QBR according to ESPN. Beyond that, he leads the nation with the fewest interceptions (tied with everyone at zero) and has been at his best in big games.

The old adage that you need to be at your best when your best is needed perfectly describes Hooker, who had 461 total yards against Florida, 295 total yards against LSU, and over 350 total yards against Pitt.

If Hooker does that in Neyland Stadium on Saturday against Alabama, he might just become the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. Or at least 1B to C.J. Stroud’s 1A.

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