Heisman Top Five: Separating the Pretenders and Contenders

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

McFadden's Heisman campaign is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory.

Debate over the Razorbacks' pedestrian 2-2 record continues to brew, and has clouded the running back's status in the race.

It's interesting—whenever an expert or pundit is asked about McFadden, there isn't much variation of opinion. He's widely considered to be the nation's most impressive player.

So shouldn't that answer our questions? Why is McFadden not a cinch atop everyone's list?

Regrettably, the voting process is highly politicized and unnecessarily formulaic. History tells us that McFadden's chances are diminished by two primary factors: his team's lack of success and voters' fondness for winning QBs.

Perhaps the latter is justified. Quarterback is undeniably the most difficult position to play on the football field, and leading a team to success against consistently tough competition is no easy task.

Every once in a while, though, there's a skill position player whose accomplishments are too impressive to ignore—think Ricky Williams in 1999, Charles Woodson in 1997, or even Reggie Bush in 2005.

There's also Larry Fitzgerald, who should have won in 2003 when Jason White took home the hardware.

Should McFadden win the Heisman on a seven- or eight-win team? Provided he continues his torrid statistical pace, I believe so. The success of a candidate's team is an important consideration, but McFadden's unbelievable skills make him an exception to that rule—just as those who came before him were.

2. Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky

Right now, simply put, Andre Woodson is pure Heisman butter.

He's got it all—the stats, the moxy, the clutch performances, and an undefeated record.

Woodson continued his meteoric rise through the Heisman ranks with a five-TD effort vs. FAU. The Kentucky signal caller looks like he can do no wrong right now, which is why I've got him this high.

I even contemplated giving him the nod for the top spot—but Kentucky's upcoming schedule ultimately prevented me from doing so.

Over their next three games, the Cats face South Carolina, LSU, and Florida. If Woodson can lead his team to two wins over this brutal three game stretch, he'll be at the top of a lot of lists.

As impressive as Andre has looked thus far, though, it's easy to envision Woodson and Co. taking their fair share of lumps in the next few weeks. If they do, Woodson's Heisman surge will slacken.

3. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?