The Most Likely Heisman Candidate from Every BCS College Football Team

As the 2011 season gets started, the race for the national championship will begin and the race for the Heisman Trophy will heat up right away.

From week to week, players will start to separate themselves from the pack and throw their name in the hat to be considered for the Heisman Trophy.

Here is a look at the player that has the best chance to win the Heisman Trophy from every BCS team.

Alabama: Trent Richardson

In 2011, the Alabama backfield is going to be a one man show with Trent Richardson receiving the bulk of the carries.

For the past couple of years, Richardson was able to split time with Mark Ingram but that will change in 2011.

LSU: Jordan Jefferson

Now I say Jordan Jefferson because, for the most part, the Heisman goes to a player on a team that is competing for a national title.

If Jefferson is able to emerge as a solid quarterback and lead LSU, then he may find himself in the Heisman conversation.

Arkansas: Tyler Wilson

No Ryan Mallett and no Knile Davis means that the offensive load falls right onto Tyler Wilson's shoulders.

Wilson will be in his first year as starter in 2011 but has already shown that he can put up some impressive numbers through the air.

South Carolina: Marcus Lattimore

Last years freshman sensation is back for his sophomore season. Marcus Lattimore caught not only the SEC off guard last year but the entire nation.

In his sophomore season, Lattimore will already be on people's radar and will receive even more exposure.

Georgia: Aaron Murray

In his first year at quarterback, Aaron Murray did a nice job quarterbacking the Bulldogs. While he will lose playmaker A.J. Green, Murray still has the tools and capabilities of putting up huge numbers for Georgia.

Florida: Chris Rainey

With John Brantley still looking to get his handle on the Florida offense, new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis may lean on Chris Rainey and the running game.

Rainey is explosive and if given the opportunity, could be one of the top backs in the nation.

Mississippi State: Vick Ballard

Another playmaking back in the SEC, is Mississippi State's Vick Ballard. Ballard broke the school record for rushing touchdowns with 19, and will be looking to do more damage as a senior.

While he is in a conference loaded with young running back talent, Ballard will still have a chance of getting Heisman consideration.

Auburn: Michael Dyer

Last year, Michael Dyer did a terrific job as a freshman and had an outstanding game in the national championship.

This year, Dyer will be leaned on even more with the loss of Cam Newton. If he is able to help Auburn remain elite, he could be on the short list.

Tennessee: Tauren Poole

As the season came to an end in 2010, the Tennessee Volunteers found an answer at quarterback with Tyler Bray. If Bray is able to bring some consistency to the Vols passing game, it should open up the running game and provide opportunities to Taureen Poole.

Ole Miss: Brandon Bolden

Brandon Bolden had a great 2010 and probably had enough talent to make the move to the NFL. Since he is returning for his senior season with Ole Miss, expect big numbers out of Bolden in 2011.

Kentucky: Winston Guy

While the offense for Kentucky does not have a lot of firepower, the defense could help them stick around in games. Winston Guy is a huge part of that defense and his ability to be found all over the field could help him gain some recognition.

Vanderbilt: Chris Marve

Chris Marve is an outstanding linebacker for Vanderbilt and could find himself on some peoples All-SEC teams this year. Marve has the ability to fly to the ball and makes big plays for a struggling program.

Nebraska: Taylor Martinez

Last year, Taylor Martinez got off to a quick start and was already being mentioned on people's Heisman lists.

In 2011, Martinez and Nebraska move to the Big 10 and if he is able to stay healthy and perform at the same level, he will find himself in the Heisman talk again.

Ohio State: Joe Bauserman

With all of the changes and suspensions that have occurred at Ohio State, the player with the most to gain is senior quarterback Joe Bauserman.

While Bauserman is still fighting it out to be the starter, it would be an amazing story if he led the Buckeyes to a quick start. He would immediately gain recognition and would throw his name in the hat for the Heisman.

Wisconsin: Russell Wilson

After making the move to Wisconsin, Russell Wilson has made the Badgers an instant contender for the national championship.

With his ability to make plays with his arm and legs, Wilson is a dual threat quarterback that will make life difficult on Big 10 defenses.

Michigan State: Kirk Cousins

Last year, Kirk Cousins helped lead Michigan State to a share of the Big 10 title. This year, Cousins and the Spartans are back and have the talent to make another run at the conferences first championship game.

Michigan: Denard Robinson

Denard Robinson got off to a quick start last year and found himself on a lot of peoples short list early on.

If Robinson is able to develop in the passing game and truly become a dual threat quarterback, he could quickly move up the list and be in the top 10.

Penn State: Matt McGloin

With his first year as starter behind him, Matt McGloin will be back as the Penn State starting quarterback.

If McGloin can help lead Penn State back to the top of the Big 10, he will get noticed and would be the best chance for Penn State to win the Heisman Trophy.

Iowa: Marvin McNutt

Marvin McNutt is an elite receiver in the Big 10 and would be just what the Hawkeyes young quarterback could need to keep this offense rolling. While McNutt has the skills necessary to be a top receiver, it will all come down to getting the ball in his hands.

Northwestern: Dan Persa

The fate of the Northwestern season will be on the shoulders of their quarterback Dan Persa.

Persa is a leader and does a great job helping the Wildcats stay in games.  But being at a small school and struggling to make a bowl game will not help the resume.

Purdue: Ricardo Allen

Despite it being a down year for Purdue, they do have to look forward to the continued development of cornerback Ricardo Allen.

Last year, Allen received honorable mention for the All-Big 10 team and also had back to back weeks with a pick six.

Illinois: Nathan Scheelhaase

Nathan Scheelhaase stepped in as a freshman last year and was steady through most of the season. Scheelhaase threw for 1,825 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2010.

In 2011, Illinois will be looking for development out of Scheelhaase entering his second year and hoping that translates to more wins.

Indiana: Damarlo Blecher

With the end of the 2010 season came the end of Ben Chappell's senior season. Chappell had put up impressive numbers while at Indiana, but now the offense is being turned over to Edward Wright-Baker.

Wright-Baker only attempted 12 passes in 2010 but did manage to throw a touchdown.

With the starting of Wright-Baker comes the start of a new chapter for Indiana.

Minnesota: Da'Jon McKnight

Despite sitting towards the bottom of the Big 10, Minnesota hopes with a new year comes big things.

The Golden Gophers will look to senior wide receiver Da'Jon McKnight to help lead them in 2011 and improve on his 750 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Oklahoma: Landry Jones

In 2010, Landry Jones threw for 38 touchdowns and 4718 yards.

Coming into this season, Jones is at the control of the No. 1 team in the nation and has weapons all around him to help him compete for the Heisman Trophy.

Oklahoma State: Justin Blackmon

Last year's Biletnikoff Award winner is back at Oklahoma State and ready to terrorize the Big 12.

Justin Blackmon was able to post an astonishing 20 touchdowns last year and never went a game without getting into the endzone.

Texas A&M: Jeff Fuller

In a conference full of outstanding receivers, Jeff Fuller measures up with the best. Last year, Fuller had 72 receptions for 12 touchdowns and 1066 yards.

With all the exposure that Texas A&M is getting with a possible conference switch, Fuller and the Aggies will remain in the national eye.

Missouri: Michael Egnew

Last year, Michael Egnew put up huge numbers at the tight end position. Egnew caught 90 passes for 762 yards and 5 touchdowns.

If Egnew can put up numbers like this in 2011 and Missouri upsets some Big 12 opponents, he is Missouri's best opportunity to win the Heisman.

Texas: Garrett Gilbert

When your the quarterback at Texas you always have a chance to win the Heisman.

If Garrett Gilbert is able to lead the Longhorns back to a BCS bowl game after the way last year went, Gilbert will have as good of a chance as anyone in the nation.

Texas Tech: Seth Doege

One thing that Texas Tech does well is putting a system in place that allows their quarterbacks to put up huge numbers.

Seth Doege is in control of the offense this year and if he is able to live up to the numbers that other Red Raider quarterbacks have posted, he will be on his way to competing for the Heisman.

Baylor: Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin had a terrific comeback year in 2010 after losing the majority of his 2009 season to injury. He was named to the second team All-Big 12 squad and has Baylor fans hopefully for a successful 2011.

Between his athletic ability and experience, Griffin will be the key to Baylor's success.

Kansas State: Bryce Brown

After transferring to Kansas State, Bryce Brown has a lot of potential and could be a difference maker for the Wildcats.

If given enough touches in the Kansas State offense, he has the talent to be a standout player.

Iowa State: Jake Knott

Jake Knott is a tenacious defender and a leader on Iowa State's football team.

In 2010, Knott was named to the second team All-Big 12 and was also named the Cyclones defensive MVP. Knott has also been a co-captain for two years running and should make it three in 2011.

Kansas: James Sims

It was a rough 2010 for Kansas going 3-9 and not making it to a bowl game. A bright spot throughout the season was the play of freshman running back James Sims.

Sims stepped up and rushed for 742 yards and nine touchdowns in his first year. With a year under his belt, Sims has himself set up for a good sophomore season.

Florida State: EJ Manuel

There is a new starting quarterback at Florida State and it is EJ Manuel. Manuel is extremely talented and has the ability to hurt defenses with his arm and legs.

If Manuel is able to help the Seminoles live up to expectations, then he will find himself in New York City.

Virginia Tehc: Jayron Hosley

As a sophomore in 2010, Hosley recorded 39 tackles, seven pass breakups and a nation leading nine interceptions.

His performance as a sophomore earned him first team All-American honors and may be one of the frontrunners for the defensive player of the year.

Miami: Jacory Harris

While the job is far from being locked up, Jacory Harris has the best opportunity on the Hurricanes to win the Heisman Trophy.

Harris has the name recognition and intangibles to win, now its a matter of seeing if he can live up to his potential and if he stays out of trouble off the field.

Clemson: Andre Ellington

Now entering his junior season, Andre Ellington is poised for a breakout year. In his first two seasons on campus, Ellington has shared time and been eased into the offense.

Injuries limited the impact that Ellington could have last year, but despite missing four games, he still was able to rush for over 600 yards and 10 touchdowns.

North Carolina: Quiton Coples

Coming into his senior season, Quinton Coples is an extremely athletic defender and has a nose for the ball.

In 2010, Coples had 59 tackles and 10 sacks, doubling his previous years totals.

If there is a defender with a chance at the Heisman, Coples may be that man.

Maryland: Danny O'Brien

Under new coach Randy Edsall, quarterback Danny O'Brien should continue to flourish in his sophomore seasons.

As a freshman, O'Brien threw for 2,400 yards and 22 touchdowns while only throwing eight interceptions.

If his play as a freshman is an indicator of future success, then Maryland is in good hands.

Georgia Tech: Roddy Jones

The No.1 rushing team in the nation will say goodbye to Joshua Nesbitt as their starting quarterback and leader of their offense and will turn to junior Tevin Washington.

Washington did see some action in 2010, especially as the season came to an end.

While it will be interesting to see how Washington does with the offense, it is unlikely Georgia Tech will lead the nation in rushing in 2011.

Boston College: Luke Kuechly

Last year, Luke Kuechly led the nation in tackles and is back for his senior season with some high expectations.

Coming into the season, Kuechley will be a Butkus Award candidate and will have an opportunity to break the NCAA record for tackles.

All in all, it should be a good year for Kiechly.

NC State: George Bryan

George Bryan was a huge target for Russell Wilson but will be leaned on even more in 2011 by new quarterback Mike Glennon.

Bryan is an outstanding tight end who has the size and hands to be a real weapon over the middle in the ACC.

Virginia: Perry Jones

SI.com Honorable Mention All-American Chase Minnifield had a great 2010. He picked off six passes, taking his career total to 10 interceptions.

Minnifield started every game in 2010 and finished second in the ACC and seventh nationally in interceptions.

Duke: Conner Vernon

In 2010, and now going into 2011, Conner Vernon will continue to be the go to receiver for Duke. Last year, Vernon caught 73 passes for 973 yards and four touchdowns.

Despite the overall lack of success by the Blue Devils, Vernon could be the one bright spot in 2011.

Wake Forest: Tanner Price

During a 3-9 season, Josh Harris is a building block towards the future for Wake Forest.

As a freshman, Harris rushed for 720 yards and seven touchdowns.

His major stand out performance came on the road against Virginia Tech, when Harris rushed for 241 yards and two touchdowns.

Oregon: LaMichael James

Last year, LaMichael James led the nation in rushing and will be back in 2011. James should be able to put up some big numbers again this season and if he is able to fire out of the gates quickly against LSU, it could strengthen his Heisman resume.

Stanford: Andrew Luck

Coming into 2011, Andrew Luck is viewed by many as the frontrunner to win the Heisman Trophy. After passing up on the NFL and being the top pick in the draft, Luck is going to be the clear leader on Stanford and will put up some huge numbers.

Arizona State: Vontaze Burfict

While it is not often that a defender is considered for the Heisman, Vontaze Burfict has the talent to get his name on some peoples lists.

Burfict is a fast and talented linebacker who does a great job in both the passing game and running game. The big question for him in 2011 will be if he can stay out of trouble with penalties and off the field issues.

USC: Matt Barkely

Matt Barkley is one of the top quarterbacks in the Pac-12 and is ready for an outstanding 2011.

Last year, Barkley did a good job but it was clear that USC would get tired late in games due to the lack of depth. It will be interesting to see how they handle that this year.

Utah: Jordan Wynn

Jordan Wynn and Utah have a chance to silence a lot of people who believed they never deserved a chance to compete in big bowl games.

Now that the Utes are in the Pac-12, Wynn will be going up against a higher level of competition and will give himself a chance to be noticed.

Arizona: Juron Criner

Juron Criner had an outstanding junior season and is ready to have an even better senior season. With Nick Foles back to throw him the ball, Criner should see plenty of passes coming his way in 2011.

Washington: Chris Polk

With Jake Locker now in the NFL, Washington is going to lean on Chris Polk to carry the load as they get things figured out at quarterback.

Polk is a talented back that has good speed and now has experience as he enters his junior season.

Cal: Mychal Kendricks

Cal's defense was underrated last year and a major part of it was Mychal Kendricks, who returns for his senior season.

Kendricks anchors the defensive unit and if he is able to continue to improve, he would be Cal's best chance at the Heisman.

Oregon State: James Rodgers

James Rodgers had his 2011 season cut short due to injury. He is now back and preparing for the 2011 season.

Rodgers has the ability to make an impact in the passing game as well as the running game and if healthy could be a candidate.

UCLA: Johnathan Franklin

While UCLA is still looking to rebuild and find answers on both units, Johnathan Franklin  was a ray of hope last year for the Bruins.

In 2011, Franklin will be the main back and is the only hope for Rick Neuheisel and his job security.

Colorado: Rodney Stewart

New to the Pac-12 this year is the Colorado Buffaloes and their best hope for the Heisman and a successful season is with running back Rodney Stewart.

Stewart is entering his senior season at Colorado and will have his hands full in the new conference.

Washington State: Jeff Tuel

On any other team in the conference, Jeff Tuel may have gotten more publicity then he did at Washington State last year.

While the Cougars are continuing to struggle to get out of the conference basement, Tuel has made the Cougars offense look respectable and has them putting points on the board.

West Virginia: Geno Smith

Geno Smith may be the conferences best chance in being represented in the Heisman race.

Smith has a good arm and the ability to keep plays alive. If he can lead West Virginia to some key wins, he could be in the running.

South Florida: B.J. Daniels

While South Florida is quietly becoming a contender in the Big East, B.J. Daniels is one of the major reasons why.

Daniels is an accurate quarterback that can also make plays with his legs. If he can cut down on the turnovers, Daniels and South Florida could be in for a great season.

Pittsburgh: Tino Sunseri

This is a pick based on the success of Pittsburgh this season. The Panthers know that Tino Sunseri will be a key to them having a good year in 2011 and if he can take a step forward as a junior, he has as good of a shot as anyone on his team.

Cincinnati: Zach Collaros

Back for his senior season is Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros. Collaros had a good first season as a starter, throwing for just under 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Coming into his senior season, Callaros will look to cut down on the interceptions and continue to improve on his accuracy as he leads Cincinnati through the Big East schedule.

Connecticut: Sio Moore

Quickly becoming a leader on the defense, Sio Moore was continued to develop every year at Connecticut.

Coming into 2011, the only thing that can stop Moore from being an outstanding force is the perception that he takes plays off. UConn coaches that with the idea that perception is not reality.

Syracuse: Ryan Nassib

In a bounce back year for Syracuse, quarterback Ryan Nassib led them back to a bowl game and helped them lock up a victory over Kansas State in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Nassib threw for 2,334 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2010, which was also his first full season as starter.

Louisville: Jeremy Wright

With the 2010 season behind them, the Louisville Cardinals will have to replace the production of senior running back Bilal Powell.

While seeing some limited action, Jeremy Wright was able to accumulate over 300 yards rushing and four scores.

For the coming season, Wright will have to replace the yardage and scores that Powell provided the team last year.

Rutgers: Mark Harrison

Despite a down year for Rutgers, Mark Harrison was a ray of sunshine during the season. Going into 2011, Harrison could be playing with a chip on his shoulder and playing with something to prove.

While being in the top five in most major receiving statistics, Harrison was left off of both the first and second team Big East squads.

In 2010, Harrison caught 44 passes and nine touchdowns and will use the motivation of being snubbed in conference to lead him to an even better 2011.

Notre Dame: Michael Floyd

After a tough offseason for Michael Flyod, he is back and is one of the best receivers in the nation. If Floyd is able to refocus and get on the same page with whoever is under center for the Fighting Irish, he should have another outstanding season.