Heisman Watch 2013: Power Ranking Contenders for College Football's Top Award

We are quickly approaching the end of the college football season, and a number of players have already separated themselves as front-runners for the Heisman trophy.

A few names have dropped off of the list recently.  Marcus Mariota's struggles and recent losses have seen his stock plummet, while Bryce Petty's name has fallen off of the list after that ugly loss to Oklahoma State. 

Still, there are some terrific players to watch for as the season winds down, so let's go ahead and rank the top five Heisman contenders heading into Sunday.

5. Andre Williams, RB, Boston College

For someone who ran for just under 1,600 rushing yards in his first three seasons, Andre Williams has completely exploded onto the scene in 2013.

The Boston College running back leads the nation in rushing, and it's really not even close.  He has run for 2,073 yards this season, holding the lead by more than 300 yards, and adding 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry.

While the lack of team success and national recognition certainly hurts Williams' chances, he at least deserves to be on the list of contenders.

4. Jordan Lynch, QB, Northern Illinois

Only Chad Pennington and Randy Moss ever finished in the top five for the Heisman voting coming out of the MAC, but Jordan Lynch has a chance to make it three players after an incredible run this year.

Even as a quarterback, Lynch ranks second in the nation with 1,755 yards.  He has put up 4,212 total yards and 42 total touchdowns this season, making him easily one of the most productive offensive players in the country.

Unfortunately, considering the level of competition Lynch has played against, it will be very hard for him to make a big run at the Heisman trophy, unless the judges decide that he's proven himself enough coming out of a generally weaker conference.

3. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama

While his numbers aren't the most impressive, AJ McCarron has to be considered for the Heisman trophy considering the team's success and his high level of play.

As a pure passer, McCarron has been terrific almost all season.  He's completed 68.6 percent of his passes for 2,399 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions, giving him a 165.1 passer rating.  His team is 11-0, and the senior quarterback is looking to lead his team to their third straight national championship title.

Due to his consistent success over the past few years, McCarron has to at least be considered for the trophy.  There's a solid chance that he wins it, but a lack of eye-popping stats will keep some judges from putting him in first.

2. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

He's wild, reckless and an overall entertaining player to watch, making Johnny Manziel such an intriguing Heisman candidate this season.

After winning the award back in 2012, Manziel has stepped up once again this year.  Through just 11 games, he's thrown for 3,537 yards, 32 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, completing 69.1 percent of his passes.  On the ground, he's been deadly as well, running for 665 yards and another eight scores.

Considering the level of competition that Manziel has had to play this season, he's certainly deserving of the award.  He's made countless big plays and had a number of signature Heisman moments.  However, when considering that he's thrown five interceptions over the past two games and his team has lost three games this season, he could fall just short of his second straight Heisman.

1. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

As the complete package, there's no better Heisman candidate on the field than Jameis Winston out of Florida State.

As just a redshirt freshman, Winston is playing like an NFL-caliber quarterback under center.  He's completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 3,163 yards, 32 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, adding another three scores on the ground.  He's averaging 11.1 yards per attempt, and that's an incredible number for a QB at any level.

The Seminoles have played terrific football as well.  They've gone a perfect 11-0 and haven't showed any signs of struggle against any opponent, despite playing two teams ranked in the Top 10 at the time of the game.  Winston leads one of the best offenses in the country, which ranks second with 55.2 points scored per game.

With some great numbers and a great team around him, there's no player on this list that can be considered a better candidate for the Heisman than Winston.