2016 College Football Picks & Predictions: Heisman Trophy Favorites

2016 College Football Picks & Predictions – Heisman Trophy Favorites: The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual honor a college football player can earn, and it is one of the most storied awards in all of sports. Over the years, the criteria for winning the award is often debated, but whether it goes to the best player on the best team, the player with the best numbers or the most valuable player, the trend in the eventual winners is undeniable.

Historically, running backs and quarterbacks have won a majority of the time, and in recent years, quarterbacks have dominated the voting. Looking at the early frontrunners for the 2016 Heisman Trophy, the long-standing trend looks poised to continue, as quarterbacks and running backs again headline the list of favroites.

2016 College Football Picks & Predictions: Heisman Trophy Favorites

The Favorites

He finished third in the Heisman voting last year, and after putting up nearly 500 yards of total offense on Alabama in the title game, Clemson QB Deshaun Watson has to be on the short list of Heisman frontrunners in 2016. As a true sophomore, the dual-threat weapon threw for more than 4,000 yards and ran for another 1,105 while accounting for 47 touchdowns. With another year of experience and an even better receiving corps, Watson could be in for a special season as he leads a Clemson team that is one of the preseason title favorites.

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Had he played on the East Coast, Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey would have probably won the Heisman last year instead of finishing second. After all, he broke Barry Sanders’ single-season record for all-purpose yards, proving to be a dynamic weapon as a rusher, receiver and returner. When all was said and done, the shift back ran for more than 2,000 yards, added 45 catches for 645 yards and took a punt and a kickoff back for a score. McCaffrey impacts so many aspects of the game at an elite level, and winning the Heisman should be a little easier this time around after his monster 2015 campaign put him on the map.

Top Contenders

After a solid freshman season in 2014, LSU RB Leonard Fournette emerged as a true workhorse last year. He ran for 1,953 yards and 22 scores, carrying the ball 300 times for an offense that had almost nothing in the way of a passing attack. Defenses knew Fournette was getting the ball, and he still ran over them. Plenty of touches, plenty of yards and plenty of touchdowns are a given for Fournette, and if the Tigers can find a decent quarterback, Fournette will take care of the rest.

He came out of nowhere to take command of the Oklahoma Sooners’ offense, and QB Baker Mayfield could easily find himself as a Heisman finalist again in 2016. He threw for 3,700 yards and 36 scores last year, and he made some plays with his feet, topping 400 yards rushing and scoring seven times. His stats should be bolstered by a powerful Oklahoma attack, and the Sooners’ schedule provides plenty of chances for Mayfield to deliver memorable performances that win over voters.

Despite lackluster quarterback play, a schedule loaded with stout defenses and some nagging injuries, Florida State RB Dalvin Cook finished the year with 1,691 yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging 7.4 yards per carry. He might be the most explosive rusher in the country, and he shows up in big games. Last year, he ran for 222 yards against rival Miami, 163 yards against a tough Louisville defense, 183 yards against rival Florida and 194 yards against Clemson. Cook should remain the most valuable and most productive member of the Seminoles in 2016. If he can carry FSU to an upset of Clemson, he could have the statement game he needs to win the Heisman.

After the quarterback carousel last season, it is easy to forget the Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett finished fifth in the Heisman voting in 2014. He will be the unquestioned leader of Urban Meyer’s offense this year, and while the supporting cast might not be as great, Barrett’s dual-threat ability is a perfect fit for Meyer’s system. If Barrett leads the Buckeyes back to the top of the Big Ten, he should be right back in the thick of the Heisman conversation.

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