College Football Rankings 2011: Ranking Heisman Hopefuls of the Top 25 Teams

The top 25 is chock full of Heisman hopefuls, including everyone who made the trip to New York other than last year’s winner, Cam Newton.

But not every team in the top 25 has a Heisman candidate on their roster, and some have multiple candidates.

So who is the most likely player to win the prestigious award?

Here is a power ranking of the players in the top 25 with the best chance to win the Heisman as it currently stands.

Just Missed the Cut

- Geno Smith

- Edwin Baker

- E.J. Manuel

- Trent Richardson

- David Wilson

10. Ryan Broyles

The All-Star receiver already has 158 yards on the season, but his stock could skyrocket with a great performance at Florida State next week.

Broyles always comes ready to play in big games, and this one should be no different.

9. Marcus Lattimore

The stud sophomore already has 288 yards on the ground with four touchdowns. He had a great performance against Georgia last week and will likely continue to rack up huge yardage in the coming weeks.

8. LaMichael James

James’ stock took a serious dive after failing to impress against LSU. He bounced back against UNLV with three touchdowns: one rushing, one receiving and one punt return.

He has yet to come close to the same numbers he had last season, and unless that changes, James is out of the running. But anything is possible with this Oregon offense.

7. Taylor Martinez

Taylor Martinez looks like his old self running the football in 2011. Last season, he looked tentative after injuring his ankle, but he is now averaging over 150 yards per game, which is tied for third in the country.

As a quarterback.

If the Huskers can get the tough wins this season, Martinez could be well on his way to making a trip to New York.

6. Russell Wilson

Wilson burst onto the scene with his solid play for Wisconsin. The biggest question for him will be how he plays against teams with a good defense, which he has yet to do.

With Montee Ball and James White in the backfield, it may be hard for Wilson to get enough yardage to become a serious contender, but his stock has been rapidly on the rise.

5. Justin Blackmon

Blackmon is a 100-yard machine. He currently has an NCAA record 14 straight games with 100 yards and only failed to score a touchdown against Louisiana Lafayette.

The Pokes’ offense looks just as explosive as it did in 2010, and the Biletnikoff Award winner looks just as good. If he can keep getting 100-yard games, there is no reason why he shouldn’t get a trip to New York.

4. Robert Griffin III

RGIII was always a good quarterback, but his performance against TCU propelled his team to victory and him into the heat of the Heisman talk.

He was simply electrifying against the Horned Frogs, going 21-for-27 for 359 yards and five touchdowns. Putting on a show like that every week would be mind-blowing, but if he can come close and lead Baylor to a great season, the sky is the limit for where Griffin can go.

3. Landry Jones

Jones just puts up ridiculous numbers at Oklahoma. He is sitting quietly for now, but everyone considers him to be in the running for the trophy. After all, he did throw for over 4,700 yards last season.

The Sooners go on the road to Florida State next week, and if he, like his receiver Ryan Broyles, can put on a show, his stock will jump.

2. Kellen Moore

Moore has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the country and finished fourth in Heisman voting last season. After a great performance against Georgia, he is in the thick of the hunt, and no one else has the combination of a great performance and history like Moore.

Boise State could pretty easily run the table again, and that would solidify a trip to New York. But would it win the award? Not unless the next contender falters.

1. Andrew Luck

The best NFL quarterback prospect in years, Andrew Luck is the clear favorite to win the Heisman.

He is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the country and almost singlehandedly has Stanford ranked at sixth in the country. If he can beat Oregon and win the Pac-12, Luck will all but lock up the award.