Lines' Heisman Trophy Award Rankings: Week 6
With the college football campaign already in Week 6, it's time to start looking at the 2021 Heisman Trophy candidates.
The usual suspects — aka quarterbacks — make up the majority of the list, of course, with Alabama's Bryce Young and Ole Miss' Matt Corral leading the discussion, but don't count out skill players following DeVonta Smith's award-winning season last year.
One thing is for sure at this point in the season, there is no real front runner to take home college football's most prestigious award.
So who are the top-five Heisman candidates so far? We've ranked our favorites below.
*Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
5. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Current Odds: +1600
2021 Stats: 63.5% completion percentage, 1,045 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns; 30 carries, 98 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns.
Everything's going right for Desmond Ridder this season.
After deciding to return to Cincinnati instead of leaving for the draft, the Bearcats QB has improved immensely in his short stint this season. He led the Bearcats to a big-time victory over Notre Dame this past week and could potentially lift Cincinnati to a College Football Playoff appearance.
Ridder's play has certainly made a potential Heisman finalist while helping Cincy become a playoff contender.
4. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Current Odds: +3000
2021 Stats: 54 carries, 510 yards rushing, seven touchdowns; three receptions, 87 yards receiving, one touchdown
TreVeyon Henderson played in just the first quarter against Rutgers but he made an immediate impact with a 44-yard touchdown on his first carry of the day.
Even though he's only a freshman, Henderson is already playing at a Heisman level right now. He has taken over the starting running back job at Ohio State and has done nothing but make plays. In his first-ever collegiate game against Minnesota, he showed his talent with a 70-yard touchdown reception.
He is fast, strong, and agile. The trifecta for running backs, and he is only a true freshman. Averaging just under 10 yards a carry, Henderson will be a name we hear about for a long time.
3. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Current Odds: +3000
2021 Stats: 105 carries, 652 yards rushing, seven touchdowns; 10 receptions, 167 yards receiving, two touchdown
Bijan Robinson has been a big reason why Texas is still alive for the CFP. The Sophomore running back has impressed all season with his wild day against TCU pushes him over the top.
His big day against TCU makes him the first Texas running back to rush for over 200 yards since D'Onta Foreman did it in 2016. If he continues to impress, especially at this level, he will be an easy finalist for the Heisman trophy.
2. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Current Odds: +250
2021 Stats: 69.6% completion percentage, 1,210 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns; 43 carries, 161 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns.
It was still a productive week for Matt Corral despite the 42-21 loss to Alabama. He's a threat to light up the scoreboard in Ole Miss' high-octane offense.
Corral was probably the favorite before the loss to Alabama, but as you will find out, a new, more deserving face has emerged. If Ole Miss can rally after this loss and rattle off a couple of big-time wins, Corral's stats will only get better, and he will stay in contention all season long.
1. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Current Odds: +125
2021 Stats: 73% completion percentage, 1,365 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns
It is pretty clear that Bryce Young is the leader in the clubhouse right now. He once again had another solid performance against a good team and has the Tide rolling.
Young did not need to be spectacular in this game, but he was really good and they throttled Ole Miss. He is very poised for a sophomore and he is already showing elite skills that will make him a high draft pick when his time comes. Once again, Alabama reloaded with more great talent following a National Championship.
Photo: Getty Images
