7 Senior Stars with the Best Shot at the 2016 Heisman Trophy

Upstart sophomores and standout juniors are all the rage in college football these days, but a select group of seniors have a decent chance to win the 2016 Heisman Trophy.

Although the list of seniors isn't large—and the best shot doesn't necessarily mean a good one—Baker Mayfield and Seth Russell lead the veteran cast that could upstage popular names such as Deshaun Watson, Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey.

Historical trends were a main factor in selecting these candidates. For instance, an offensive lineman is not going to win the Heisman, while quarterbacks and running backs are typically the top finalists.

Players from major-conference programs also received the most attention—but not quite all. Not since 1990 (Ty Detmer, QB, BYU) has a non-power school star hoisted the trophy.

Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps the most disappointing potential breakout candidate of 2015 was Corey Clement, who was practically a sure thing in the line of productive Wisconsin running backs.

Can we, uh, cash in that rain check?

Injuries derailed the possibility of Clement building on a 949-yard campaign—something he achieved as a backup to Melvin Gordon, who racked up 2,587 yards on 343 carries.

Yes, Dare Ogunbowale and Taiwan Deal also return, but Clement is undoubtedly the most explosive one of the trio. If Wisconsin's young offensive line quickly becomes a cohesive unit, Clement could match the hopeful expectations from a season ago.

Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It's time for the newest edition of "How can we tout Tennessee this time only to be disappointed as always?"

Nevertheless, if Joshua Dobbs develops into a more consistent player and tallies bigger numbers, he'll enter the conversation for national awards.

Last season, the Vols finished 9-4. During the nine wins, Dobbs averaged 186.7 passing yards, 55.2 rushing yards and 2.4 total touchdowns. In four losses, his outputs dropped to 152.8, 43.5 and 1.0, respectively.

Tennessee returns a strong majority of its offensive production, basically only losing Von Pearson. Temper expectations, but Dobbs has a decent group of skill-position weapons and is boosted by playing in the SEC. Should he survive the conference—and excel—Dobbs would be mentioned in the Heisman chase.

But, again, temper expectations.

Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Alex Menendez/Getty Images

It takes a special kind of wide receiver to finish in the top 10 in Heisman voting. Not only is Mike Williams that caliber of player, but there might not be a better potential bounce-back story.

Last year during the season opener, Williams slammed into the base of the uprights after catching a touchdown, was carted off the field and missed the remainder of the campaign. Head coach Dabo Swinney described the injury as a small fracture in Williams' neck area.

As long as he's healthy, though, the 6'4", 220-pounder is an electric playmaker. Williams recorded 57 catches for 1,030 yards—a healthy 18.1-yard average—and six touchdowns in 2014.

Although a Heisman-worthy season from him likely means Watson assembled a similar one, Williams could earn plenty of votes after a 1,500-yard, 15-score year. He has both the talent and opportunity to reach those marks.

Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss

Thomas Graning/Associated Press

The first year of Chad Kelly under Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss was largely a success. He amassed 4,042 passing yards and 31 touchdowns, tacking on 509 rushing yards and 10 scores.

But can Kelly take a step forward in 2016 and avoid a brutal stretch?

Following his 341-yard, three-touchdown performance at Alabama, opponents tagged Kelly for 11 interceptions during October. Losses included a beatdown against Florida and a stunner at Memphis.

While the Rebels must replace potential first-round NFL draft pick Laquon Treadwell, they return four of the top six receivers and will add touted youngsters such as Damarkus Lodge and Van Jefferson. Ole Miss has a host of pass-catchers ready to create Heisman buzz for Kelly.

Greg Ward Jr., QB, Houston

Bob Levey/Getty Images

Largely thanks to Tom Herman's presence, Houston soared into the Top 10 and smacked Florida State in the Peach Bowl. Now that the nation knows who Greg Ward Jr. is, he might garner a little more deserved attention.

To win the preeminent award in today's era, however, Ward needs a jaw-dropping and championship-contending season highlighted by a dominant win against a top opponent. Fortunately for him, the Cougars will battle Oklahoma to open the season.

How's that for a potential kick-start to a Heisman campaign?

In 2015, Ward piled up 2,828 yards and 17 touchdowns as a passer, shredding defenses for 1,108 rushing yards and 21 more scores.

The odds are stacked against Ward, but the numbers are impressive, and Herman could unlock his quarterback's greatest potential.

Seth Russell, QB, Baylor

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Derrick Henry won the Heisman with 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. Had Baylor finished undefeated with a healthy Seth Russell, perhaps he could've lifted the hardware.

Russell's season ended because of a fractured neck—enough of that, OK guys?—but the 6'3" gunslinger was shredding defenses. Extended to 12 games, Russell was on pace for 3,609 yards and 50 touchdowns through the air, as well as 689 and 10 with his legs.

Heading into spring practice, he said he has "99 percent range of motion," per Rivals. That's an excellent sign, especially since Russell loses 100 percent of his favorite target in Corey Coleman.

But if there's any coach we trust to reload at wide receiver, it's Art Briles at Baylor. A healthy Russell is a dangerous one.

Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Nati Harnik/Associated Press

While Baker Mayfield didn't have a better season than Derrick Henry in 2015, the Oklahoma quarterback certainly deserved an invite to the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

After beating out Trevor Knight for the starting job, Mayfield scored four touchdowns in his Sooners debut and led a 14-point fourth-quarter comeback during his first road game. Excluding a head-scratching blip against Texas, Mayfield didn't slow down until after the voting took place.

Overall, he completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 3,700 yards and 36 touchdowns while tossing just seven interceptions. Mayfield added 405 yards and seven scores on the ground.

NFL-bound receiver Sterling Shepard won't be at Oklahoma next season, but Mayfield—who has all but officially lost his battle for an extra year of eligibility—is a dual-threat weapon capable of putting up massive numbers.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.