Heisman Predictions: Candidates for Each Major Conference
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
PAC-12
Shawn Spencer: Cody Kessler, QB (USC) – There isn’t a better decision maker in college football. He finally has an opportunity to run the same offense two years in a row and is the leader of a USC team that should be in the running for a playoff spot.
Tyler Morales: Vernon Adams Jr, QB (Oregon) – After tearing it up at the D1-AA level, Adams steps into the perfect offense to absolutely take off this season. Adams is a prototypical Oregon duel-threat QB who can flourish in this offense. Like every Oregon quarterback Adams has a chance to put up insane numbers and shock the college football world with a potential Heisman trophy.
George Stockburger: Cody Kessler, QB (USC) – The decision-making and short yard accuracy are what will carry Cody Kessler and USC to success in 2015. While he is loosing his top target Nelson Agholor, who accounted for 34% of his passing yards last season, his overall make-up as a quarterback will help him get past that loss. With a significantly better team around him, look for USC to make a big splash in the FBS.
Matthew Holowiak: Cody Kessler, QB (USC) – Southern California has had its issues in recent years. The sanctions have ended. The team they built has arrived at the big time and Cody Kessler is taking them places. They are back starting in the top ten again. The Trojans have returned, and if Cody can pull some more magic out in his final year, the Heisman may only be the start.
Jonah Tuls: Scooby Wright III, LB (Arizona) – Why not have a defensive player on this list? He was almost a finalist last year, and I expect him to put up similar if not better production than last year. He is a beast on the college football gridiron.
Ryan Coon: Jared Goff, QB (Cal) – Despite a pretty unspectacular supporting cast, Goff comes into the 2015 as one of the nation’s best QBs after throwing for 4000 yards and 35 TDs with only 7 interceptions. He should be ready to take that next step in 2015 and should be in the Heisman Discussion
Sayre Bedinger: Pac 12: Royce Freeman, RB (Oregon) – The Ducks brought home the hardware most recently, so there will be plenty of eyes on their program yet again. Royce Freeman is young, but obviously incredibly talented. It seems like it’s been tough for a running back to unseat a quarterback in the Heisman race recently, but if anyone is capable of ‘wowing’ voters with his ability, it’s Freeman.
Next: ACC