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Josh Keatley

C.J. Stroud high atop R.J. Young’s top five Heisman candidates for 2022

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The 2022 college football season has officially kicked off and with it the race for the Heisman Trophy has begun. Although no legitimate candidates played in Week 0 (sorry Chase Brown) we will see numerous candidates during Week 1, including two Ohio State players.

Our lovely friends at Fox Sport and RJ Young have compiled their preseason list of five Heisman Trophy candidates and some of these names are obvious, but it is always interesting to see which players raise your eyebrow. Those that are familiar with RJ Young’s podcast, “The Number One Ranked Show,” might have already seen this list, but it’s worth a read or listen. Let’s dive in.

5
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma

Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network

Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but this nomination feels lofty. Dillon Gabriel was arguably the best transfer in the portal and reuniting with his UCF offensive coordinator, Jeff Lebby, is definitely an ideal fit, but a ton has to go right for Oklahoma for this to happen.

 

4
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

2022-08-23-smith-njigba

Anything is possible after Jaxon Smith-Njigba lit up the Rose Bowl with 347 receiving yards against a very good Utah team. Receivers don’t typically win this award, but Smith-Njigba might be in position to do what Alabama’s DeVonta Smith did in 2020.

3
Will Anderson, LB, Alabama

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Will Anderson likely should have won the Heisman last season, but the elite pass rusher will be looking to accomplish a rarity for defenders in 2022. He is the prototypical linebacker and will be looking to improve on his insane stats from 2021, which included 17.5 sacks and 31 tackles for a loss.

2
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

A big arm and a good athlete made Bryce Young the Heisman Trophy winner last season and he will obviously be on the list all season long. Young is extremely accurate and can improvize with the best of them.

1
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes Football

C.J. Stroud is number one on many people’s Heisman list despite finishing fourth in the voting last season. Stroud ended last season with a historical level of production with 1,399 yards and 14 touchdowns accumulated during the last three games against Michigan State, Michigan, and Utah.

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