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
USC all world wide receiver Marqise Lee continues to make plays week in week out. The former Gardena Serra standout had 10 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown in the Trojans 38-17 victory over Arizona State.
Lee has hauled in 98 receptions for 1447 yards and 13 touchdowns thus far. With nationally televised rivalry games against UCLA and Notre Dame in successive weeks, Lee will have a chance to pad his Heisman credentials.
3. Kenjon Barner RB Oregon
After five straight games over 100 yards rushing and 14 total touchdowns, Oregon running back Kenjon Barner was held to 65 yards against Cal while teammate Marcus Mariota had the best game of his young career.
For the season, Barner has rushed for 1360 yards and 19 touchdowns in leading the Ducks to a 10-0 mark. With tough games against Stanford and Oregon State and a potential Pac 12 title game upcoming, Barner will have plenty of opportunities to make his case for the Heisman.
4. Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M
Texas A&M redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel led the Aggies to a stunning 29-24 victory over top ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Manziel accounted for 345 total yards and two touchdowns against the Tide’s stingy defense.
Manziel’s dual threat ability has caused havoc for opposing defenses. For the season, Johnny Football has 2780 passing yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 1014 yards and 15 touchdowns. Expect Manziel’s Heisman candidacy to gain momentum in the final weeks.
5. Marcus Mariota QB Oregon
Another redshirt freshman quarterback has entered the race. Oregon signal caller Marcus Mariota went off against Cal with six touchdown passes in leading the Ducks to an impressive 59-17 drubbing of the Bears.
Mariota has produced all year, accounting for 28 touchdowns through the air while rushing for 516 yards and three touchdowns. With teammate Kenjon Barner also in the Heisman mix, it will be difficult for Mariota to make up enough ground to take home the hardware but he is certainly deserving of consideration.
