Week two provided yet another host of player movement among our Heisman leaderboard. But, with a couple of more upsets could we see players like Bijan Robinson and Chris Olave fall out of the top five? In addition, how does the committee view some of our top contenders that have the opportunity to feast off of some FCS talent? Before that, let’s take a look at some of the contenders in our 2021 week one Heisman rankings.
Bryce Young and Spencer Rattler will both have the national stage on Saturday to make their case. Meanwhile, can players like Desmond Ridder and Kenneth Walker III move up the rankings with great performances on the road this weekend? Let’s take a look as we unveil our 2021 week one Heisman rankings.
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Note: Ties were broken alphabetically by player’s last name
| Ranking | Player | Position | Team | Points |
| 1 | Bryce Young | QB |  |
97 |
| 2 | Spencer Rattler | QB |  |
63 |
| 3 | Matt Corral | QB |  |
50 |
| 4 | CJ Verdell | RB |  |
38 |
| 5 | Chris Olave | WR |  |
21 |
| 6 | Desmond Ridder | QB |  |
9 |
| 7 | Kenneth Walker III | RB |  |
9 |
| 8 | Zach Charbonnet | RB |  |
7 |
| 9 | Sam Howell | QB |  |
5 |
| 10 | Jameson Williams | WR | |
2 |
| 11 | Blake Corum | RB |  |
1 |
| 12 | Erik Ezukanma | WR |  |
1 |
| 13 | Kyle Hamilton | DB |  |
1 |
Top Five Candidates
1. Bryce Young
QB | Alabama Next Game: 9/18 at Florida
Young continued his hot start to the season as the clear number one in our rankings. However, the competition goes up exponentially this weekend as the Crimson Tide head to the swamp to face the Gators. Even though Florida wasn’t quite as productive on the defensive side of the ball a year ago, a trip to enemy territory for the first time will be interesting to watch.
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2. Spencer Rattler
QB | Oklahoma Next Game: 9/18 vs Nebraska
Rattler shook off a bad opener against Tulane with a five-touchdown performance in one-half of football against Western Carolina. But, the stakes are higher as the Sooners entertain Nebraska on Saturday. Decision-making has sometimes been a question for Rattler and that will be on full display against one of the better defensive lines that Oklahoma will face this season.
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3. Matt Corral
QB | Ole Miss Next Game: 9/18 vs Tulane
Corral has benefited from what appears to be a much stronger defensive team in 2021. The Rebels play the same Tulane team that gave Oklahoma fits in what is Ole Miss’ final hurdle before they travel to Alabama on October 2nd. Corral has been flawless through the air and he will have to continue that from a team that has caused five turnovers in two games.
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4. CJ Verdell
RB | Oregon Next Game: 9/18 vs Stony Brook
Verdell was the big individual beneficiary as he ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns in the upset win over Ohio State. That was enough to get Verdell at number four in our Heisman rankings. He should have a chance to put up some big numbers in the next couple of weeks with Stony Brook and Arizona on the schedule.
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5. Chris Olave
WR | Ohio State Next Game: 9/18 vs Tulsa
Finally, Olave ends our top five as the premier receiver in college football this season. Even with his 12 catch performance, that wasn’t enough to overcome the Ducks. However, much like Verdell, Olave should have an opportunity to bolster some of his stats with Tulsa and Akron on the schedule for the next two weeks in Columbus.
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