The Heisman race remains extremely tight ahead of the final full month of the season.
1. C.J. Stroud | Ohio State QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 1
Some called it stat padding in the second half after relative struggles for C.J. Stroud against Iowa (despite a blowout home victory). But overall the sophomore quarterback tossed four more touchdowns to help the Buckeyes improve to 7-0, and he’s up to 32 total touchdowns this season.
Season stats:
70.0% | 2,023 PASS YDS | 28 PASS TD | 4 INT
2. Hendon Hooker | Tennessee QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: 2
Hendon Hooker was essentially flawless in Tennessee’s 65-24 rout of Tennessee-Martin, so he continues to push for the top spot. Hooker has been highly efficient and will look to keep it going at home versus Kentucky this week.
Season stats:
70.6% | 2,093 PASS YDS | 18 PASS TD | 1 INT
63 CAR | 315 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 5.0 AVG
3. Bryce Young | Alabama QB | Junior | Last week: 3
It wasn’t a massive outing for Bryce Young, but the reigning Heisman winner put together another solid night in Bama’s win over Mississippi State. Every week, the magical quality Young has at quarterback shines at least a few times.
Season stats:
66.1% | 1,906 PASS YDS | 18 PASS TD | 3 INT
26 CAR | 137 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 5.3 AVG
4. Bijan Robinson | Texas RB | Junior | Last week: NR
After dropping out last week, Bijan Robinson is back in the top five after another sensational dual-threat performance in Texas’ tough loss to Oklahoma State. Bijan ran 24 times for 140 yards and a touchdown while adding a 41-yard touchdown reception—most of the damage came in the first half, but it was another great individual effort for the star running back.
Season stats:
162 CAR | 920 RUSH YDS | 11 RUSH TD | 5.7 AVG
17 REC | 280 REC YDS | 2 REC TD | 16.5 AVG
5. Israel Abanikanda | Pittsburgh RB | Junior | Last week: 5
Pitt also lost, but again Israel Abanikanda did his part leading the Panthers in both rushing (28 carries, 129 yards, one touchdown) and receiving (three receptions for 50 yards). Other running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs can also be included in the No. 4 or No. 5 slots, along with Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (who was benched last week but remains Clemson’s QB1).
Season stats:
157 CAR | 959 RUSH YDS | 13 RUSH TD | 6.1 AVG
7 REC | 109 REC YDS | 1 REC TD | 15.6 AVG
Dropped out:
Clemson QB D.J. Uiagalelei