College Football is almost here, which means it is time for the 2018 HYPE Watch List. This year’s Heisman race should be interesting, with seven of last year’s top 10 vote-getters having moved on to the NFL. Running backs Bryce Love (3rd in 2017 Heisman voting) and Jonathan Taylor (6th in 2017 Heisman voting) are both likely to be in the Heisman discussion (HYPE Rule of Three #1). Let’s get to the list. (An asterisk indicates a player previously finished in the top 10 in Heisman voting, and any of the HYPE Rule of Three (RoT) that apply to a candidate are indicated).
Bryce Love*(RoT #1) – Running Back, Stanford
He finished second in last year’s Heisman voting. He passed the 2000 yard rushing mark in Stanford’s bowl game. Although he came up short of the Heisman, he took home the Doak Walker Award and the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. If Stanford can stay competitive in the Pac-12 and Bryce can follow up on his 2017 performance, he will likely find himself back in New York this December.
Trace McSorley – Quarterback, Penn State
Although he was definitely overshadowed his backfield mate Saquon Barkley in 2017, McSorley had an impressive 2017 season. He led the Big Ten in Passing Yards Per Attempt, Completion Percentage and Passing Yards. With 13 quarterbacks taken in the 2018 NFL draft, including 5 in the first round, McSorely looks to be one of the top returning quarterbacks in the nation.It remains to be seen whether Barkley’s departure will drive McSorley’s numbers up as Penn State looks to rely more on its passing game, or hurts McSorley’s productivity as he will see fewer loaded boxes.
Jake Fromm – Quarterback, Georgia
Jake Fromm stepped in as a freshman and led Georgia to the National Title game, coming agonizingly close to winning the title. He finished second in the SEC in completion percentage and passing yards per attempt and third in the conference in passing touchdowns. Much like McSorley, he lost his running attack from last season, with the departure of both Sony Michel and Nick Chubb. With an year under his belt and perhaps a larger share of the offensive workload, Fromm has a shot at being in contention.
Jonathan Taylor(RoT #1) – Running Back, Wisconsin
As a freshman, Taylor had a dominant performance, coming close to 2000 yards rushing on the season. He led Wisconsin to an undefeated regular season and was on the verge of making the college football playoff before a loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game in which Taylor was held to 41 yards rushing (eerily similar to the Badgers’ 2014 experience with Melvin Gordon at running back). Behind an always-strong offensive line, Taylor is definitely a player to watch in this year’s race.
Kelly Bryant – Quarterback, Clemson
Kelly Bryant definitely had big shoes to fill as the successor to Deshaun Watson. He did not disappoint, leading the ACC in completion percentage while leading the Tigers to an ACC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff where they faced Alabama for the third consecutive year, losing to the eventual champions. With the strength of Clemson’s defensive line, they look to be at the top of the ACC again and Bryant can get himself in this year’s Heisman discussion if he can improve on his 2017 performance.
My (totally subjective) pick: Jonathan Taylor
I should mention that, although the HYPE is 8 for 8 picking the Heisman winner, I am 032 with my preseason Heisman picks. Wisconsin is due to get over the hump both in the Big Ten and Taylor will get them there. With big performances at Michigan, at Penn State and (if things work out) against Ohio State in a Big Ten Championship Game and overall 2018 numbers in line with his 2017 performance, Taylor can bring home the trophy. Book it.
HDH Analytics 