Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey, Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson and LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette are the obvious early Heisman trophy frontrunners heading in to 2016 for a reason. After all, each of those three had a legitimate case to win the trophy in 2015 and there is absolutely no reason to expect regression from any of them. However, there are a handful of players that are flying under the radar a little bit in terms of the Heisman talk heading in to this season. As is always the case, new players will emerge. The following five guys are on the cusp, and with a good spell to start the season, could play their way into the Heisman conversation for 2016.
QB: J.T. Barrett
Ohio State Buckeyes
Remember that this is a player that some people thought would be a Heisman contender last year. However, Barrett struggled to find his 2014 when he was bumped around with Cardale Jones as the Buckeyes looked to figure out who their No. 1 quarterback should be. This year, there is no doubt about his status as the starter at Ohio State for 2016. The fact that he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder all season should really help him. Barrett has the potential to be an elite dual-threat quarterback and is surrounded by capable weapons that can help maximize his ability. The Buckeyes are relying on Barrett to step up and be the leader of their offense and if he can play to his potential he could force himself in to the Heisman conversation in 2016.
RB: Nick Chubb
Georgia Bulldogs
Chubb missed almost all of last year with a devastating injury but he is back to full strength heading in to the 2016 season and the potential is there for him to put up big numbers out of Georgia. Chubb had averaged 8.2 yards per carry before his injury and new head coach Kirby Smart will give him every opportunity to showcase his big-play ability out of the Bulldogs’ backfield. Georgia will also be breaking in a freshman quarterback in Jacob Eason so Chubb could be the stud running back that takes the pressure off of the young passer and puts up big numbers on the ground this season.
RB: Royce Freeman
Oregon Ducks
Freeman is a big, explosive runner who is coming off an incredible year in which he ran for 1,836 yards and 17 touchdowns to go with 26 catches for 348 yards and a pair of scores. Now the durable junior will look to somehow top those numbers in 2016 with an even bigger focus on the running game as the Ducks break in a new quarterback. Freeman has the potential to hit the 2,000-yard rushing mark in 2016 and if he can hit that mark at Oregon this season he will undoubtedly push himself in to the Heisman conversation.
QB: Brad Kaaya
Miami Hurricanes
Kaaya could very well be one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft and his status as a top prospect should lead to an even bigger microscope on his play for this coming season. Kaaya has proved he can put up big numbers in the ACC Coastal division and the arrival of new head coach Mark Richt has generated even more buzz surrounding his potential and the potential of the Miami offense as a group. Kaaya has all of the tools to put up dominant numbers for the Hurricanes in 2016 and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he put himself on the Heisman radar.
QB: Chad Kelly
Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels lost a ton of talent on offense but Kelly is back for his senior season looking to go out in style with one huge season. Kelly threw for 4,042 yards and 31 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions a year ago and he also showcased his dual-threat ability with 500 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Now he returns to Ole Miss as arguably the best quarterback in the SEC heading in to this season and if he performs at the level he is capable of performing at it should lead to him being a part of the Heisman conversation for 2016.
