College Football: 5 2023 Heisman Trophy Hopefuls

College Football Heisman Trophy Hopefuls – Audric Estime/Sam Hartman – Notre Dame

The Sam Hartman inclusion is for pretty obvious reasons, while Audric Estime is one of the more extreme dark horse picks I could think of that has a legitimate shot. Hartman is a bonafide star, or at least was in the slow-mesh offense at Wake Forest. Should his skills and talent translate to Notre Dame’s more conventional offense, he’ll be in the conversation all year.

For what it’s worth, Hartman looks like the real deal after attending the spring game at Notre Dame and watching as many practice clips as I could this offseason and preseason. His biggest obstacle will be his wide receiver room; he’ll need some stars to break out.

The Irish receiving corps has the talent and the personnel, but it remains to be seen who will take the next giant leap for the Irish at the position. Still, Hartman is in a great spot for Heisman contention if those connections grow.

Audric Estime is a guy who could be the type of workhorse running back that could take the team to new heights. His big-bruising yet surprisingly agile running style is the perfect compliment for his star quarterback. Should Estime be able to find some work in the passing game, he’ll take off to new heights.

Logan Diggs is an excellent running back but was, without question, on a different level in running the football than Audric—a tier or two below. Undoubtedly, Coach Parker will look for a true speedster out of the backfield to catch screens or passes in space.

That said, if Auric shows his ability to expand his game, he is the ultimate dark horse for the Heisman Trophy in the 2023 college football season.

I wouldn’t bet on it for what it’s worth, as the Irish have a stable of highly talented backs, but Estime will be their top guy with an excellent offensive line leading the way.

Running behind some of college football’s best in Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, the Heisman Trophy is well within reach for Audric Estime.