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.
In Texas A&M's lone setback of the season, a 49-42 loss to defending national champion Alabama, Manziel tossed five touchdowns on 464 yards through the air. Moving forward, Manziel and the Aggies should roll off a string of victories and stat stuffing performances that will strengthen his Heisman candidacy leading up to a big road game at LSU on Nov 23.
2. Tajh Boyd QB Clemson
Clemson senior quarterback Tajh Boyd has shined for the Tigers from the outset, scoring five total touchdowns in Clemson's 38-35 victory over Georgia. On the year, Boyd has nine touchdowns and no interceptions.
With Clemson undefeated and ranked in top five, Boyd should get plenty of consideration for the Heisman. The Tigers have some marquee games remaining, including a huge home game against Florida State and road games at Maryland and South Carolina. Boyd will have plenty of opportunities to make his case and impress the voters.
3. Teddy Bridgewater QB Louisville
Louisville junior quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been slicing up defenses so far, tossing 14 touchdowns with only one interception and completing 72 percent of his passing attempts. With the exception of a 27-13 rivalry road win over Kentucky, level of competition has been subpar. Bridgewater has shown complete command of the Cardinals offense.
Bridgewater should continue to rack up big numbers and victories as the Cardinals face a very favorable schedule moving forward. While the road ahead may lead to wins and perfect season, it could prove difficult for Bridgewater to gain traction in the Heisman race due to the lack of a marquee matchup. Louisville's toughest game of the year will be the season finale at Cincinnati.
4. Marcus Mariota QB Oregon
Much like the other quarterbacks on the list, Oregon redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota is playing at a high level this season. A true dual threat, Mariota has thrown for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception while rushing for 295 yards and five touchdowns. Mariota has thrown and rushed for a touchdown in every game thus far.
Mariota will play a pivotal role in making the Ducks national title hopes a reality. With tough games against Washington, UCLA and Stanford on the horizon, Mariota will have the opportunity to enhance his Heisman candidacy against quality competition.
5. Sean Mannion QB Oregon State
Oregon State junior quarterback Sean Mannion is off to a ridiculous start to the season. Mannion has already surpassed 2,000 yards passing with 21 touchdown strikes. He has thrown for at least 365 yards and three touchdowns in every game so far.
Working against Mannion is Oregon State's opening home loss to Eastern Washington. However, the Beavers have run off four straight victories behind Mannion's stellar play. With several ranked opponents remaining on the schedule, including Stanford and Oregon, Mannion has an opportunity to climb up the Heisman board and potentially bring the trophy to Corvallis.
