Every college football season brings with it a new wave of stars, but only a select few rise high enough to earn a spot as finalists for the sport’s most prestigious awards. Getting there is no small feat as it takes consistency, big-game moments, and often a mix of talent and timing to stand out among dozens of elite players at the same position. Whether it’s a punter flipping the field, a linebacker anchoring a defense, or a quarterback leading his team into playoff contention, each award highlights a different piece of what makes the game so dynamic. And while these lists are always exciting to look at, they’re also just a snapshot in time; the season ahead will inevitably bring breakout performances, unexpected injuries, and defining moments that can completely reshape the race. Still, projecting finalists now gives fans a fun preview of which names could dominate the conversation as the chase for hardware unfolds this fall.

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Ray Guy Award (Top Punter)

Finalists

1. Sam Johnson, USC
2. Tyler Pastula, San Diego State
3. Palmer Williams, Baylor

The Ray Guy Award always shines a spotlight on one of the most underrated but crucial positions in football, and this year’s finalists are no exception. USC’s Sam Johnson, who transferred to Los Angeles from Valparaiso, will be a steady weapon for the Trojans after averaging 47.1 yards per punt in 2024 with 18 of his 63 punts downed inside the 20, consistently flipping field position and giving D’Anton Lynn’s defense the breathing room it needs in high-pressure B1G matchups. Tyler Pastula has quietly become one of the most valuable players for San Diego State, embodying the Aztecs’ long-standing reputation for strong punting and special teams with his precision and ability to pin opponents deep after also tallying 18 punts downed inside the 20 on just 58 boots and averaging 46.1 yards with a long of 79 in there last year. Then there’s Baylor’s Palmer Williams, who was a younger talent with a booming leg off of his 49.3-yard average and knack for directional punting with 15 out of 43 kicks inside the 20, making him indispensable to the Bears’ game plan, especially when he needed to give his defense a lot of room to work with in games where yards come a plenty. While Johnson and Pastula both bring tremendous value, it’s Williams who separates himself from the field with a pro-level leg entering his junior season, earning him the nod as the nation’s best punter.

Winner: Palmer Williams, Baylor

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Lou Groza Award (Top Kicker)

Finalists

1. Lucas Carniero, Ole Miss
2. Dom Dzioban, Miami (OH)
3. Dominic Zvada, Michigan

The Lou Groza Award celebrates the nation’s top kicker, and this year’s trio of finalists all bring incredible consistency and clutch ability to their teams. Lucas Carniero made a name for himself at Western Kentucky last season before transferring to Ole Miss, hitting 18 of 19 field goals, including a long of 54 yards, and staying perfect on extra points—a reliability that should give the Rebels a huge boost in close SEC battles. Dom Dzioban has been the model of durability and accuracy for Miami (OH), drilling 26 of 30 field goals with a 51-yard long, and showing his value in a conference where every point can be the difference between a MAC title run or a lost season. Dominic Zvada, meanwhile, has elevated Michigan’s special teams with near perfection, going 21 of 22 on field goals with a 56-yard bomb on his resume, while converting 26 of 27 extra points. All three bring tremendous value, but Zvada’s elite combination of consistency, long-range power, and his role in one of the sport’s most pressure-packed environments give him the ultimate edge, making him the rightful winner of this year’s Lou Groza Award.

Winner: Dominic Zvada, Michigan

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Jim Thorpe Award (Top Defensive Back)

Finalists

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State
2. Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
3. Koi Perich, Minnesota

The Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back, features three playmakers who have proven to be difference-makers in their secondaries. Caleb Downs has quickly become the heartbeat of defending national champion Ohio State’s backfield after transferring from Alabama before last season, showing rare versatility as a safety with 48 solo tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and even a share of a sack, while also making his presence felt in coverage with two interceptions and six pass deflections, plus the added value of being a steady punt returner. Leonard Moore has emerged as a young breakout star for Notre Dame, displaying excellent coverage skills with 11 pass deflections to go along with two interceptions, and he brings the kind of reliability in one-on-one matchups that gives the Irish secondary a shutdown corner to build around. Koi Perich, meanwhile, has been one of the most opportunistic safeties in the country as one of the nation’s best true freshman in 2024, leading this group with five interceptions, and his nose for the football combined with his punt return contributions makes him a game-changer for Minnesota. While Moore’s lockdown ability and Perich’s ball-hawking instincts make strong cases, Downs’ all-around dominance makes him one of the most talented players in the entire country with his ability to impact every level of the defense while also producing in special teams, setting him apart from other defensive backs around the country and easily making him the favorite to bring the Thorpe Award back to Columbus.

Winner: Caleb Downs, Ohio State

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Dick Butkus Award (Top Linebacker)

Finalists

1. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
2. Gabe Jacas, Illinois
3. Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
4. Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
5. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

The Dick Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker, is loaded with elite talent this season, and the five finalists each bring a unique brand of dominance to their defenses. Texas star Anthony Hill Jr. has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, racking up 113 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks, while also forcing four fumbles and even grabbing an interception, proving his ability to impact every phase of the game. Illinois veteran Gabe Jacas has anchored the Illini defense with his relentless motor, tallying 13 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries, consistently disrupting plays in the backfield. Pittsburgh’s Kyle Louis has emerged as one of the most versatile linebackers in the country, showing his range with 101 total tackles and elite playmaking in coverage, recording 4 interceptions including a pick-six. Ole Miss standout Suntarine Perkins has thrived as a pass rusher, using his speed and athleticism to notch 10.5 sacks along with 14 tackles for loss, making him a constant threat off the edge. Rounding out the group, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez has been a tackling machine, piling up 127 total stops and adding versatility with 3 forced fumbles, an interception, and strong play in coverage. Statistically, Louis and Rodriguez have the stats to be the best true linebackers in the nation, but Hill’s combination of raw talent, production, leadership, and ability to flip momentum with both splash plays and consistency makes him the most complete linebacker in the country, giving him the edge to take home the Butkus Award.

Winner: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

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Bronko Nagurski Award (Top Defender)

Finalists

1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
2. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
3. Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
4. Peter Woods, Clemson

The Bronko Nagurski Award, honoring the nation’s top defender, is once again stacked with elite playmakers who have proven to be the backbone of their teams. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. continues to show why he’s one of the ACC’s most feared edge rushers, flashing his explosiveness even in limited action last season after a breakout freshman year where he totaled 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who I mentioned earlier as a Butkus Award finalist, knows how to disrupt every facet of an offense with his abilities as a pass rusher, zone coverage defender, and pure tackler, and on top of all those qualities, he’s a pure winner. At Oregon, Matayo Uiagalelei has developed into a dominant force off the edge, piling up 10.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss while also showing his versatility with an interception and multiple pass breakups, making him one of the most well-rounded defenders in the country. Meanwhile, Clemson’s Peter Woods has proven to be a game-wrecker in the trenches, anchoring the Tigers’ defensive front with disruptive power and quickness, posting 8.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in just eight games. Again, the defensive talent in college football in 2025 is fantastic, but out of everyone, it will be Hill taking home a second award as he might be the most complete defender in the country.

Winner: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

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Outland Trophy (Top Interior Lineman)

Finalists

1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami
2. Jake Slaughter, Florida
3. Peter Woods, Clemson

The Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman, will feature three finalists who have dominated in the trenches and elevated their teams on both sides of the ball, which I have as Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, Florida center Jake Slaughter, and Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. Mauigoa, a former five-star, has quickly become one of the premier offensive tackles in the country under Mario Cristobal’s leadership, anchoring the Hurricanes’ line with a blend of power and agility that has neutralized elite pass rushers and paved the way for a balanced offense. Woods, like I mentioned earlier, missed some time last season, but when he’s fully healthy, he will be a force in the middle of Clemson’s stacked defensive line, and he will likely be one of the top defensive players taken in next year’s NFL Draft with his ability to disrupt a run game and get to the quarterback with his strength and athleticism. While both Woods and Mauigoa bring dominant physical presences on their respective sides of the ball, it’s Florida center Jake Slaughter who stands out the most for his ability to command the Gators’ offensive line, displaying leadership, elite footwork, and technical precision that has stabilized Florida’s offense and allowed both the run game and passing attack to flourish. He was projected to be first or second rounder in the previous NFL Draft, making him arguably the best player nationally in the trenches this upcoming season and potentially this year’s Outland winner.

Winner: Jake Slaughter, Florida

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Rimington Trophy (Top Center)

Finalists

1. Nick Dawkins, Penn State
2. Logan Jones, Iowa
3. Jake Slaughter, Florida

The Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s best center, features three dominant anchors in the heart of the offensive line. Penn State’s Nick Dawkins brings veteran leadership and toughness to the Nittany Lions, using his strength and technique to control the interior and open lanes for their power running game. Iowa’s Logan Jones has embodied the Hawkeyes’ physical brand of football, consistently holding his ground against elite Big Ten defensive fronts and setting the tone for an offense built on grit and discipline. Florida’s Jake Slaughter, however, has emerged as easily the most complete center in the nation, pairing his high football IQ with elite hand placement and mobility that, like I mentioned earlier, makes him equally effective in both run blocking and pass protection. His ability to diagnose defensive schemes and command Florida’s offensive line has been critical to the Gators’ recent success, and when combined with his projected Outland Trophy win, Slaughter’s consistency, versatility, and dominance make him the clear favorite to capture the Rimington Trophy as well.

Winner: Jake Slaughter, Florida

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Joe Moore Award (Top Offensive Line)

Finalists

1. Miami Hurricanes
2. Oregon Ducks
3. Texas Longhorns

The Joe Moore Award, recognizing the nation’s best offensive line, spotlights three units that have dominated the trenches all season. Miami’s front five of returning starters Markel Bell, Anez Cooper, and Francis Mauigoa have been the foundation of the Hurricanes’ offensive resurgence, and now, rising left guard starter Ryan Rodriguez and TCU transfer center James Brockermeyer will blend size and athleticism to pave the way for a balanced attack. Texas boasts a young group with right guard DJ Campbell as their only returning starter from last year, but it will still be exceptionally talented with the high level of recruiting they’ve done over the past few years with Trevor Goosby, Neto Umeozulu, Cole Hutson, and Brandon Baker providing both protection and power for one of the nation’s most dynamic backfields. Oregon, however, stands out as the most complete unit, with transfers Isaiah World, Emmanuel Pregnon, and Alex Harkey forming a cohesive group with returning talents Iapani Laloulu and Matthew Bedford and consistently overpowering defenses in the B1G. Their combination of experience, physicality, and chemistry has created one of the most efficient offensive lines in college football, giving the Ducks the edge to take home this year’s Joe Moore Award over Miami and Texas.

Winner: Oregon Ducks

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John Mackey Award (Top Tight End)

Finalists

1. Jack Endries, Texas
2. RJ Maryland, SMU
3. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

The John Mackey Award finalists highlight some of the nation’s most dynamic and versatile athletes at the tight end position, each bringing unique skills and offensive impact to their teams. Jack Endries of Texas transferred in from California over the offseason, and with his haul of 56 receptions, 623 yards, and a pair of scores in Berkeley last year plus how well the Longhorns utilized Gunnar Helm last year, he’ll become a very reliable target for Arch Manning in the passing game. RJ Maryland of SMU showcased explosive playmaking ability with 24 catches for 359 yards and four touchdowns in just seven games before a season-ending knee injury, adding to his impressive 2023 totals of 34 receptions for 518 yards and seven touchdowns and demonstrating his big-play potential after hauling in around 15 yards per reception over two seasons. Even with the big play potentials of both Endries and Maryland, Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers was able to produce and compete at a high level after transferring in from New Mexico State before last year with Diego Pavia, finishing 2024 with 49 receptions for 638 yards and five touchdowns and proving that he’ll be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses all season long with the possibility of reaching close to 1,000 yards on the season as the top target in Nashville. The scoring opportunities that he will create once again and versatility have helped him become the favorite to win the award, which I think he will win with a big season in the difficult SEC.

Winner: Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

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Fred Biletnikoff Award (Top Wide Receiver)

Finalists

1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
3. Ryan Williams, Alabama

The Fred Biletnikoff Award finalists showcase some of the most explosive and productive wide receivers in college football, each capable of taking over games and serving as the focal point of their offenses, and while the winners and runners-up are usually guys with lots of experience, I have a feeling we’re going to see a lot more youth among the finalists. Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State turned lots of heads as a true freshman with 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and an incredible 15 touchdowns, adding six carries for 47 rushing yards and a rushing score in 16 games, making him what some people believe to be the best overall player in all of college football and one of the best, most talented wide receivers we’ve seen in a long time. Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State was nearly as productive as well in his breakout campaign, catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns over 12 games, though he missed the Big XII Championship and CFP Quarterfinal, slightly limiting his showcase on the national stage. Finally, there’s another sophomore that could very well be up there in Ryan Williams out of Alabama, who also impressed many as a freshman with 48 catches, 865 yards, eight receiving touchdowns, a pair of rushing scores on four carries, and unbelievable athleticism, speed, and deep-threat talent. While all three receivers bring elite talent and impact to their teams, Smith is just way too good to not win this award, and if the Buckeye offense can be explosive enough to force defenses to scheme around him less, his upcoming standout sophomore campaign and ability to consistently change the outcome of games might earn him the Biletnikoff in a landslide.

Winner: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

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Doak Walker Award (Top Running Back)

Finalists

1. Isaac Brown, Louisville
2. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
3. Bryson Washington, Baylor

The Doak Walker Award has been won by some pretty legendary players, including several who went on to win the Heisman Trophy, and this year, and while several of the most talented backs in college football this year are being held back by split carries, there will still be three dynamic backs who can easily change the game for their offenses. First off, you have Louisville’s Isaac Brown, who bursted quickly onto the scene last year as a true freshman by racking up 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 165 carries while averaging a remarkable 7.1 yards per attempt, and his ability to add 30 receptions made him a true dual-threat weapon, even though he was limited in a couple of games with injury concerns and climbing up the depth chart early on. Baylor’s Bryson Washington, despite missing time early and late in the season due to injury, was highly productive in 11 games, tallying 1,028 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while also catching 22 passes for 217 yards, all while having to split carries with Dawson Pendergrass and showing how crucial he was to the Bears’ offensive balance. With Pendergrass’s injury that’ll keep him sidelined for the year, it’ll now be up to Washington to provide all of the ground attack for the Bears, and his stat line will surely be one of the best even with over 1,000 yards on split carries last year. Even with the phenomenal freshman breakout seasons from both Brown and Washington in 2024, there’s also Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, who shined bright on college football’s biggest stages and carried the ball 163 times for 1,125 yards and 17 rushing scores while he also added 28 catches for 237 yards and two more touchdowns. He was even in a season where he too was limited in stretches, including the National Championship, when he’s fully healthy, who knows how high his ceiling is, and with him being the most complete back among the finalists, those qualities will earn him the Doak Walker honors.

Winner: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

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Davey O’Brien Award (Top Quarterback)

Finalists

1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
2. Arch Manning, Texas
3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Even though the Doak Walker might have several past winners go on to win the Heisman Trophy, there’s no other honor that has showcased more past Heisman winners as finalists and winners than the Davey O’Brien Award. Out of the three finalists, Clemson senior Cade Klubnik experienced a huge jump in production last year as one of the nation’s most exciting quarterbacks to watch, showcasing his poise with 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns while also contributing on the ground as a strong dual-threat option with seven rushing scores, keeping Clemson’s offense balanced and dangerous in big games. The second finalist is by far the most inexperienced of the three in Texas star Arch Manning, but he is the most talented of the three candidates, flashing his accuracy and efficiency even. as a backup relief option for two straight seasons behind Quinn Ewers. Even without much playing time last year outside of wildcat and option situations,, he was still, however, a solid passer as well with a 67.8% completion rate and an impressive nine touchdowns to just two interceptions on top of his mobility with four rushing scores, making his hype as real as it gets in college football. Finally, there’s LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who delivered on production at the highest level in his first full season as a starter last year, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns while commanding one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Although Klubnik and Manning will put up plenty of numbers and will likely lead their teams to more wins throughout the year, this award normally seems to go to the quarterback who’s the best pure passer in all of football, which I believe will be Garrett Nussmeier, adding onto LSU’s great recent history with Davey O’Brien-winning quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels.

Winner: Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

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Chuck Bednarik Award (Top Defender)

Finalists

1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
2. Caleb Downs, Ohio State
3. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

The Chuck Bednarik Award finalists consist of the three best defenders in all of college football, and while statistics play a big factor in being up for the honor, the winners ultimately become those who are the biggest game-changers on that side of the ball. My first finalist for the award is Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., who has been a force since his freshman year in games when he was healthy, piling up plenty of tackles for loss and sacks with explosive edge rushing ability, and despite being limited to just eight games in 2024, he showed flashes of the disruptive presence that makes him one of the ACC’s most feared defenders, making him a candidate to go early in next year’s NFL Draft. Then, there’s Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who I mentioned earlier as the heart of the Longhorns’ defense after showing abilities to disrupt a football game all over the field, while also flashing coverage ability with an interception and pass breakup. However, neither compare to the talent that Ohio State safety Caleb Downs brings to the table heading into 2025, standing above the rest after not only anchoring the Buckeyes’ secondary in their path to a National Championship, but also showcasing his versatility with 48 solo tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, proving he’s just as dangerous near the line of scrimmage as he is in deep coverage. Add in his ability as a punt returner, and Downs’ all-around impact on the game and giving even the offense the best position to make moves on the scoreboard maybe gives him the best argument as the most complete defender among the finalists. After falling short of Travis Hunter for the award last year as one of the three finalists and seeing plenty of his Buckeye teammates off to the NFL, Downs will ultimately get it done this year now that he’s the star of the show.

Winner: Caleb Downs, Ohio State

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Maxwell Award (Top Player)

Finalists

1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
2. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
3. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

The Maxwell Award race, when it’s all said and done in 2025, will feature three dynamic playmakers who have each proven to be the driving force of their programs, which I believe will be Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Klubnik has emerged as one of the nation’s most complete quarterbacks as a true dual-threat leader who can help the Tigers beat defenses in multiple ways, which is something that we haven’t seen out of Clemson since the days of Trevor Lawrence. Love brings an explosive balance of speed and power as an all-purpose weapon who can explode out of the backfield and give tilt a game at any moment for the Irish. Then there’s Smith, the sensational sophomore wideout who has already cemented himself as one of the sport’s premier offensive threats and I already have taking the Biletnikoff Award as his blend of size, route-running, and big-play ability produced the fourth-most receiving yards and second-most receiving touchdowns in the FBS in 2024, and he’s often the difference-maker when the Buckeyes need a spark. While Klubnik and Love are each worthy in their own right, the Maxwell will go to the player who likely won’t win the Heisman Trophy and is able to most consistently change games with pure talent and dominance at his position, and that edge belongs to Smith. Like I said before, people already believe he might be the nation’s best player even after just one season of playing college football, and I believe that he will be the nation’s most impactful skill player, earning him the Maxwell Award as college football’s best overall performer.

Winner: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

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Home Depot Coach of the Year Award

Finalists

1. Bret Bielema, Illinois
2. Brent Key, Georgia Tech
3. Chris Klieman, Kansas State
4. Joey Maguire, Texas Tech

Let’s go ahead and even add in who’ll take the honors as this year’s Coach of the Year, which will be won by one of four leaders who have elevated their programs into national relevance through culture, development, and results. First of all, I really love what Bret Bielema is doing in Champaign as he has completely revitalized Illinois into a tough, physical B1G contender, guiding the Illini to a 10-3 season in 2024 and projecting another strong 10-2 campaign in 2025 thanks to his identity-driven style of play. Another coach who has completely revived a program that is looking to finally return to elite-level success for the first time in over a decade is Georgia Tech, and head coach Brent Key has brought stability and belief back to Atlanta by emphasizing discipline and player developmen for a long-term foundation and turning the Yellow Jackets from a 7-6 squad into what I believe to be a 9-3 team this fall. Even Texas Tech has new life sparked in Lubbock, which is why I believe Joey McGuire will be another finalist with his Red Raiders expected to reach 10 wins and push into the Big XII title mix after an 8-5 showing in 2024. Yet, while all three have made major strides, it’s Chris Klieman at Kansas State who stands out above the rest. After a 9-4 season in 2024, Klieman is set to lead the Wildcats from a 9-4 2024 to a potential 11-1 finish in 2025 to push them to potentially their second Big XII title win and the College Football Playoff picture for the first time. His steady leadership, ability to maximize talent year after year, and constant winning mindset, even dating back from his time at North Dakota State years ago, make Kansas State one of the most well-rounded teams in the country, and by steering his program to national prominence and positioning the Wildcats as legitimate contenders on the biggest stage, it would be a surprise if Klieman didn’t take home the Coach of the Year Award in December.

Winner: Chris Klieman, Kansas State

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Heisman Trophy (Top Player)

Finalists

1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
2. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
4. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Those who have won the Heisman Trophy are those who embody numerous characteristics as someone who brings value to a program or university both on and off the field, but in simple terms, it’s the holy grail of the sport. This year’s four finalists, I believe, will be similar to last year in terms of the diversity of positions and conference and school affiliation represented among each candidate, and while last year’s winner, Travis Hunter, stood out from the rest as a unique two-way talent, this year’s winner will focus not just on talent but on the one that is the best pure winner of the group.

I’ll start off with Clemson senior quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has elevated his game into true Heisman form by combining precision passing with mobility, making him the heartbeat of the Tigers’ offense and the steady presence they rely on in every big moment. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has been electric out of the backfield, showcasing game-breaking speed with well over 1,000 rushing yards at nearly seven yards per carry, but it’s his ability to change games with a single touch that gives the Irish a weapon few defenses can contain when he’s fully healthy. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has put together a prolific campaign of his own, throwing for over 4,000 yards and keeping the Tigers in the national conversation with his ability to stretch the field and attack defenses vertically, and I think with an even stronger showing this year, he will be LSU’s third quarterback in the past seven seasons to be a Heisman finalist and possibly a Heisman winner as well along with Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels. Finally, there’s sophomore phenom Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State, a wideout who already looks like the next great Buckeye legend and maybe the best receiver the collegiate level has seen in a long time, especially after racking up over 1,300 yards 15 touchdowns as a freshman while consistently winning one-on-one matchups and giving the Buckeyes a reliable big-play target in the biggest moments.

Each of these players has the resumé to claim college football’s most prestigious honor, but the Heisman ultimately rewards the player who is both the centerpiece of his team’s success and the most statistically dominant force in the sport. That’s why Cade Klubnik stands above the rest as, even as he becomes set for another big jump in production with all of the loaded talent around him this year, his ability to carry Clemson with his arm and legs, his consistency against elite defenses, and his leadership in the biggest moments make him the clear choice. In doing so, Klubnik not only outshines this loaded field, but he also delivers Clemson its first-ever Heisman Trophy winner.

Winner: Cade Klubnik, Clemson

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Make sure to check back throughout the season to see how close these predictions are when it’s all said and done in December!