Jarrett Stidham’s first season as Auburn’s starting quarterback went very well, and he’s near the top of the Heisman discussion entering 2018.
#25: Jalen Hurts
#24: Adrian Martinez
#23: Travis Etienne
#22: Shane Buechele
#21: Nick Fitzgerald
#20: Rodney Anderson
#19: Justice Hill
#18: A.J. Brown
#17: Damien Harris
#16: Drew Lock
#15: McKenzie Milton
#14: Khalil Tate
#13: Will Grier
#12: Justin Herbert
#11: Dwayne Haskins
#10: Shea Patterson
#9: Tua Tagovailoa
#8: Kelly Bryant
Last season, Stidham helped lead Auburn to an SEC West division win. He’ll look to take the team further this season, which could lead to a fourth Heisman Trophy winner for the school.
Why he can win it
Gus Malzahn is one of the best offensive coaches in the country, and Stidham enters his second season leading Auburn’s attack. With star running back Kerryon Johnson gone to the NFL, Malzahn might decide to put more on his quarterback’s shoulders in 2018. Stidham had four games without a passing touchdown last year, but two of them came in his first three games and he hadn’t played football the year before because of transfer rules. Overall, Stidham showed flashes of outstanding play as the trigger-man for the Tigers’ offense, and he should be more consistent with more comfort heading into the second year at the position. Auburn won the SEC West last season, and they won games against both Georgia and Alabama—the two national title game participants; team success is important for an individual winning the Heisman.
Why he won’t win it
While his team came out on top and he played well in those games against Georgia and Alabama, Auburn needs to head on the road for those matchups in 2018. The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide figure to be two of the best teams in the country again this season, and a loss or two to them could end Auburn’s Playoff chances—and likely Stidham’s Heisman chances. Auburn’s offensive line also isn’t as experienced as last season, and the loss of Kerryon Johnson could be difficult to overcome.
What needs to happen
Stidham needs to lead the Tigers to an SEC title, and he needs to be more consistent in his second season commanding Malzahn’s offense.
Stat projection
256/379 (67.5%) | 3,297 PASS YDS | 29 PASS TD | 7 INT
99 CAR | 168 RUSH YDS | 6 RUSH TD | 1.7 AVG
I could see him having a BIG jump this year.
I think Stidham is good but do not see Heisman for him.
He’s definitely the key for them to win this year.
A good shot I think.
It’s nice to see Stidham go from Baylor and land in a good situation with Auburn. Good for him.
If Auburn wins the SEC he will win.