This week’s Heisman watch adds another running back to the crowded early-season race.
1. C.J. Stroud | Ohio State QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 3 (+2)
Bouncing back from an early pick-six against Michigan State, C.J. Stroud again lit up the Spartans for six touchdowns through the air. Stroud is already up to 24 passing touchdowns this season, averaging four per game while operating a video-game-like offense in Columbus.
Season stats:
70.6% | 1,737 PASS YDS | 24 PASS TD | 3 INT
10 CAR | 4 RUSH YDS | 0.4 AVG
2. Bryce Young | Alabama QB | Junior | Last week: 1 (-1)
Bryce Young is already a Heisman Trophy winner starring in “Heisman House” commercials, and he and Alabama are smartly not rushing him back from the shoulder injury. Still, missing action knocks the star quarterback from the top spot in the Heisman watch.
Season stats:
67.2% | 1,202 PASS YDS | 14 PASS TD | 3 INT
18 CAR | 154 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 8.6 AVG
3. D.J. Uiagalelei | Clemson QB | Junior | Last week: 2 (-1)
D.J. Uiagalelei and the Tigers offense took some time to get going against Boston College, but they eventually broken through and the big quarterback again led the team in passing (220 yards, three touchdowns) and rushing (12 carries, 69 yards).
Season stats:
63.9% | 1,462 PASS YDS | 14 PASS TD | 2 INT
67 CAR | 311 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 4.6 AVG
4. Israel Abanikanda | Pittsburgh RB | Junior | Last week: NR
When you’re second in the nation in rushing and break Tony Dorsett’s school record for yards in a game, you belong on the Heisman watch. Pitt running back Israel Abanikanda carried 36 times for 320 yards and six touchdowns against Virginia Tech, and while he’s had a couple of quiet games, he’s also exploded for 154, 133, 177, and 320 yards rushing in his other four outings.
Season stats:
129 CAR | 830 RUSH YDS | 12 RUSH TD | 6.4 AVG
4 REC | 59 REC YDS | 1 REC TD | 14.8 AVG
5. Bijan Robinson | Texas RB | Junior | Last week: 5
It was difficult to leave Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker out this week, but top running backs around the country are on fire. Texas completely dominated the Red River Showdown in shocking fashion (a 49-0 victory), and Bijan Robinson was a big part of that, carrying 22 times for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Season stats:
110 CAR | 645 RUSH YDS | 10 RUSH TD | 5.9 AVG
12 REC | 203 REC YDS | 1 REC TD | 16.9 AVG
Dropped out:
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker