We are in a new Heisman era, as the last three winners have all been sophomores.
Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that the trend continues. If we were to look at the pool of available sophs, which one stands the best chance of winning?
The best way to look at it is to break down the sophomores into three groups:
1. Second year players who have already established themselves as stars in college football thanks to outstanding freshman seasons.
In this group, I’d include the following players:
- Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
- Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
- LaMichael James, Oregon
- Andrew Luck, Stanford
2. Players who didn’t go crazy as freshmen, but who built up some name recognition and will now start for high-profile teams or traditional powers, making them potential contenders in the event of a breakthrough sophomore season.
In this second group, I would include these players:
- Matt Barkley, USC
- Garrett Gilbert, Texas
- Tate Forcier, Michigan
- Trent Richardson, Alabama
- Landry Jones, Oklahoma
3. Players on high profile teams or traditional powers who didn’t make much of an impact (if any) as freshmen, but who could be primed to make a splash in year two. These are the least likely sophomores to contend for the Heisman.
In this third group, I’d list:
- Jermie Calhoun, Oklahoma
- Tre’ Newton, Texas
- Mike Gillislee, Florida
- Jamaal Berry, Ohio State
I have yet to make my overall preseason list, but if I had to rank just these sophomores alone, it would look like this:
1. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
2. Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
3. Garrett Gilbert, Texas
4. Matt Barkley, USC
5. Tate Forcier, Michigan
6. Trent Richardson, Alabama
7. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
8. Andrew Luck, Stanford
9. LaMichael James, Oregon
10. Tre’ Newton, Texas
11. Jermie Calhoun, Oklahoma
12. Jamaal Berry, Ohio State
13. Mike Gillislee, Florida
Big fan of LMJ, but missing the first game of the season on top of sharing carries with Kenjon Barner doesn’t help his chances.
Forcier over Luck is pretty freaking crazy. Michigan won’t be as good as Stanford next season, Forcier isn’t even guaranteed to start, and Luck just happens to be much better than Forcier.
Luck is better, but it is far easier to win a Heisman playing for Michigan than it is to do so playing for Stanford.
LMJ’s other problem is his brush with the law. Heisman voters probably won’t take to that very well.
Jamaal Berry redshirted last year…so he’s technically a Frosh.