1. Geno Smith QB West Virginia
West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith led the Mountaineers to a thrilling 48-45 road victory over Texas last week. Smith had four touchdowns, increasing his season total to 24 with no interceptions.
The Heisman favorite has nearly 2,000 passing yards and is completing over 81 percent of his passes. West Virginia is undefeated and ranked in the top 5 and Smith is the main reason why. With big games against Kansas State and Oklahoma remaining on the schedule, Smith will have an opportunity to validate his Heisman candidacy.
2. AJ McCarron QB Alabama
Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron has the Crimson Tide in position for another championship run. McCarron has 12 touchdowns and no interceptions in leading Alabama to a 5-0 record. With conference road games at Missouri and Tennessee in the coming weeks, McCarron will be expected to lead the way.
The Tide have yet to be challenged but expect McCarron to rise to the occasion when the time comes.
3. Collin Klein QB Kansas State
Kansas State dual threat quarterback Collin Klein has established himself as a Heisman contender with his stellar play thus far. Klein has 14 total touchdowns, seven through the air and seven on the ground.
A highly anticipated showdown with Heisman favorite Geno Smith in Morgantown Oct 20 will provide Klein a grand stage to raise his Heisman stock.
4. Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina
South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore has scored a touchdown in every game this season. Thus far, Lattimore has rushed for 549 yards and nine touchdowns in leading the Gamecocks to a 6-0 record.
Tough road games at LSU and Florida in successive weeks will provide Lattimore a great opportunity to prove his worth and make his case for the Heisman. With South Carolina in the thick of the SEC East race, Lattimore will be expected to carry the load.
5. Matt Barkley QB USC
USC quarteback Matt Barkley entered the season the Heisman favorite in most circles but his candidacy suffered an early setback when the Trojans lost to Stanford for the fourth straight time. Since then, Barkley and the Trojans have won two in a row, including a 300 yard, three touchdown performance at Utah in his last game.
For the year, Barkley has over 1300 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. With huge games against Oregon and Notre Dame down the line, Barkley will have plenty of chances to regain his footing in the race for the Heisman.
