1. Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M

Reigning Heisman trophy winner and Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel is well on his way to defending his throne after a dazzling first month in the 2013 college football season. Through five games, Johnny Football has thrown for 1489 yards and 14 touchdowns while connecting on 71 percent of his attempts for the Aggies. Manziel has also made an impact with his legs, rushing for 314 yards and three touchdowns.

With the college football season on the horizon, it's time to take a look at the talented student athletes most likely to contend for the prestigious Heisman trophy award in 2013. CLA expects a wide open race with many worthy competitors.

Johnny Manziel QB / Texas A&M

Now that the 2012 NCAA football regular season is complete, it’s time to honor the most outstanding players on the field this year. USC quarterback Matt Barkley entered 2012 the Heisman favorite but faltered early.

West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith grabbed the reigns as early season favorite with a great September. After Smith and West Virginia lost a few games, Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein became the presumed frontrunner before a disappointing loss to Baylor.

1. Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M

Texas A&M redshirt freshman dual-threat quarterback Johnny Manziel has ascended to the top of the Heisman list. Johnny Football has been gaining momentum since leading the Aggies to an upset of defending national champion Alabama.

For the year, Manziel has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1114 yards and 17 touchdowns. Manziel will have one more chance to make his case when the Aggies host Missouri Saturday night in College Station.

2. Marqise Lee WR USC

1. Collin Klein QB Kansas State

Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein is still in the lead for the Heisman after leading the Wildcats to a 23-10 road victory over TCU. Klein rushed for two more touchdowns bringing his season total to 19. Klein has thrown 12 touchdowns while completing 70 percent of his pass attempts.

At 10-0 and ranked first in the BCS standings, Optimus Klein has the Wildcats two wins from a berth in the national championship game. If the Wildcats win out, it will be difficult for voters to deny Klein the Heisman.

2. Marqise Lee WR USC