We’ve arrived at the last weekend of the season before the winner is announced. For some, there’s one more opportunity to show the committee why they are worthy of this award. Last year, we had a wide receiver win the Heisman. Could we have a defensive player come away with the award this year? Aidan Hutchinson, Will Anderson, and Jordan Davis could have something to say about that. Before we get into the top half, let’s take a look at all of the contenders in our 2021 Championship Weekend Heisman rankings.
It was a down weekend for our top two performers as Bryce Young struggled against Auburn and C.J. Stroud lost against Michigan but didn’t play poorly. Matt Corral and Kenneth Walker III had solid games but without an additional game, their chance seems to be limited. Kenny Pickett With that being said, let’s take a look as we unveil our 2021 Championship Weekend Heisman rankings.
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Note: Ties were broken alphabetically by player’s last name
Top Five Candidates
1. Bryce Young
QB | Alabama Next Game: 12/4 vs Georgia
Young and the Crimson Tide survived their worst offensive performance of the year to keep the top spot in this week’s Heisman rankings. Young completed less than 50% of his passes and was harassed by the Auburn defense all game. However, he was very efficient when his team needed him. Now, comes his most difficult test of the year as Alabama faces Georgia in the SEC Championship Game and the best defense in the country.
2021 SEASON |
PASSING |
YDS |
TD |
INT |
CMP% |
RATING |
3,901 |
40 |
4 |
68.9 |
177.0 |
|
|
RUSHING |
YDS |
TD |
YPC |
-9 |
2 |
-0.1 |
|
2. Kenny Pickett
QB | Pittsburgh Next Game: 12/4 vs Wake Forest
Even though Pickett only threw for 208 yards, he still managed to get four touchdown passes to get to 40 on the season. Additionally, he’s the only quarterback in our rankings to get 4,000 yards passing on the season. Now, he has an opportunity to guide his team to an ACC Championship this weekend against Wake Forest. Chances are he’ll have an opportunity to put up great numbers again, but will it be enough?
2021 SEASON |
PASSING |
YDS |
TD |
INT |
CMP% |
RATING |
4,066 |
40 |
7 |
67.7 |
166.7 |
|
|
RUSHING |
YDS |
TD |
YPC |
221 |
4 |
2.4 |
|
3. Kenneth Walker III
RB | Michigan State Next Game: TBA
Walker had a great bounce-back game this week against Penn State. He ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns as he has led the Spartans to a 10-win season. However, much of the damage has been done with his performance against Ohio State the week prior. Much like his Big 10 counterpart, Walker is left watching this weekend and hoping for the best.
2021 SEASON |
RUSHING |
ATT |
YARDS |
AVG |
TD |
G |
263 |
1,636 |
6.2 |
18 |
12 |
|
|
RECEIVING |
YARDS |
AVG |
TD |
89 |
6.8 |
1 |
|
4. C.J. Stroud
QB | Ohio State Next Game: TBA
The Buckeyes loss to Michigan was just as damaging to Ohio State’s playoff chances as it was to Stroud’s Heisman chances. Even though Stroud drops to four, little blame goes to Stroud as he threw for over 300 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. With no extra game to impress the committee, there’s not much he can do to improve his position other than candidates above him having poor performances this weekend.
2021 SEASON |
PASSING |
YDS |
TD |
INT |
CMP% |
RATING |
3,862 |
38 |
5 |
70.9 |
182.2 |
|
|
RUSHING |
YDS |
TD |
YPC |
-30 |
0 |
-1.0 |
|
5. Matt Corral
QB | Ole Miss Next Game: TBA
Corral and the Rebels ended the season in a positive manner by defeating Mississippi State and securing a 10-win season. However, Stroud’s numbers have not been quite as strong as the other contending quarterbacks. Yards, passing touchdowns, and quarterback rating is below that of Young, Pickett, and Stroud. Corral should absolutely receive an invitation to New York though.
2021 SEASON |
PASSING |
YDS |
TD |
INT |
CMP% |
RATING |
3,334 |
20 |
4 |
68.3 |
157.5 |
|
|
RUSHING |
YDS |
TD |
YPC |
597 |
11 |
4.1 |
|