Heisman Race 2015: Candidates' Odds and Predictions for Ceremony
The top candidates for the Heisman Trophy didn't disappoint in their final chances to show what they can do on a national stage. Now we are left with some drama surrounding the top individual award in college football.
This race has featured plenty of twists and turns throughout the year, with a number of different candidates spending a week or two as the projected favorite. New candidates have emerged within the past month, but it remains to be seen which players will end up on top of the voting.
Based on the latest odds, it seems as though there is one heavy favorite, but here is a look at predictions for the final voting, which will be announced Saturday night.
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| Derrick Henry | Alabama | 3-10 |
| Christian McCaffrey | Stanford | 4-1 |
| Deshaun Watson | Clemson | 6-1 |
| Baker Mayfield | Oklahoma | 25-1 |
Predicted Finish
3. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Being the starting quarterback on the only undefeated team in the nation is usually enough to get into the Heisman debate on its own, but Deshaun Watson is more than just that. The quarterback has been a productive player and big-time playmaker all year long for No. 1 Clemson.
Not only has Watson been impressive as a passer this season with 3,512 yards and 30 touchdowns, but he has also excelled as a runner with 887 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. In addition, he has improved in this area as the year has progressed, topping 100 rushing yards in four of the last five games.
The sophomore also came through with a big performance when needed in the ACC Championship Game win over North Carolina, totaling five touchdowns on 420 yards of offense.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney certainly believes Watson should be a top candidate for the Heisman Trophy, according to Dan Hope of Orange and White:
With a Total QBR that ranks third in the nation, the Clemson star has proved to be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and one of the most valuable players in college football. This is enough to finish in the top three in New York City, at the very least.
2. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
There might not be a more electric player in the nation than Christian McCaffrey. The running back has simply done it all this year, whether that means running, receiving, returning or anything else.
He certainly filled up the box score in the Pac-12 title game, finishing with 442 all-purpose yards and scoring touchdowns in three different ways:
His huge performance in the win over USC gave him 3,496 total yards for the season, breaking Barry Sanders' record for the most in college football history. Considering Sanders' year is still considered one of the best individual efforts ever in this sport, it really shows how productive McCaffrey has been.
Joel Klatt of Fox Sports had high praise for the sophomore:
Although he might not be a household name with Pac-12 games usually coming on late, McCaffrey deserves a legitimate shot at a Heisman Trophy and has a realistic chance to bring home the prestigious award.
1. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
McCaffrey has as much of an argument as anyone, but the voters are more likely to go with what they know. This means a highly productive player from an SEC school who carried his squad to the playoffs will be the most likely winner.
Derrick Henry has been as consistent as anyone in the nation, currently leading all players in both rushing yards (1,986) and touchdowns (23). He topped 200 rushing yards in four different games while scoring at least one touchdown in every single contest.
With 189 rushing yards in the SEC title game against a very good Florida defense, he put himself on top of a prestigious list:
Considering Henry is responsible for half of Alabama's offensive touchdowns this season (23 out of 46), there is no denying that the running back has completed one of the best years we have seen in a long time.
There are certainly understandable complaints against Henry's winning this award. He has benefited from a great offensive line, as well as from a heavy workload including 90 rushing attempts over the last two games. His 5.9 yards per carry rank just 55th in the country.
Still, the workhorse back continues to be productive against some of the best defenses in college football and is the most likely to take home the 2015 Heisman Trophy.
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