Following a standout game on Saturday night, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer leaps to the top spot in the Heisman watch.
1. John Mateer | Oklahoma QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: 5 (+4)
We mentioned last week that Mateer could vault to the No. 1 spot in the very early Heisman race with a big performance against Michigan—and that’s exactly what he did with his arm talent and playmaking on full display in the win. Aside from an interception in each game to begin the season, Mateer has been tremendous for the Sooners.
Season stats:
71.8% | 662 PASS YDS | 4 PASS TD | 2 INT
26 CAR | 98 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 3.8 AVG
2. Marcel Reed | Texas A&M QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 1 (-1)
Reed certainly did nothing to fall out of the top spot with another four-touchdown performance last week, and he is fortunately healthy after leaving early against Utah State—setting up a major opportunity to make a statement on Saturday night with a trip to South Bend. The redshirt sophomore has discussed how good his offensive line is, and the group will be tested versus the Fighting Irish.
Season stats:
66.1% | 509 PASS YDS | 7 PASS TD | 0 INT
18 CAR | 105 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 5.8 AVG
3. Thomas Castellanos | Florida State QB | Senior | Last week: 3
The only thing holding Castellanos back right now is the limited volume (17-of-25 passing through two games)—but he’s averaged a whopping 15.6 yards per attempt and had a quick day in the 77-3 win over East Texas A&M over the weekend. Florida State will now head into a bye week before facing Kent State and Virginia to end the month.
Season stats:
68.0% | 389 PASS YDS | 3 PASS TD | 0 INT
20 CAR | 85 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 4.3 AVG
4. LaNorris Sellers | South Carolina QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 2 (-2)
Sellers and the high-powered South Carolina offense had another modest showing, but their star quarterback took care of the ball and should be more aggressive as SEC play begins for them this week. It should also be noted that the shaky offensive line adds a level of difficulty for Sellers, so they’ll need to improve for him to remain in the race over the next few weeks.
Season stats:
60.5% | 337 PASS YDS | 2 PASS TD | 0 INT
21 CAR | 48 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 2.3 AVG
5. Carson Beck | Miami QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: NR
Arch Manning is firmly back in the race after a five-touchdown performance, but the final spot goes to Beck—who has efficiently moved the Miami offense while completing nearly 80% of his passes through two games. And as is the case for John Mateer and Thomas Castellanos, Beck already has a win over a top opponent (Notre Dame) to boost his early candidacy.
Season stats:
77.8% | 472 PASS YDS | 4 PASS TD | 0 INT
2 CAR | -2 RUSH YDS | -1.0 AVG
Dropped out:
Kansas QB Jalon Daniels