Heisman Trophy Candidates in the ACC
Will an ACC Player Win the Heisman?
Heading into the 2023 season, College Football lines are already heavily leaning toward USC’s quarterback Caleb Williams to win back-to-back Heisman Trophies. He is still arguably the best quarterback in the NCAA, making it hard not to side with him for College Football picks.
However, two of his biggest challengers could be in the ACC, a conference that features talented quarterbacks. Most sportsbooks have the following players with the best odds of winning the award coming out of the ACC. On top of that, two other names have a chance to make waves in the Heisman conversation.
The Lone Running Back
Quarterbacks dominate the Heisman Trophy, so throwing in a running back is a long shot for College Football predictions. However, Will Shipley from Clemson could make a run at it. He was second in rushing yards and touchdowns last season in the ACC, behind a player that has moved on to the NFL. If he has a big enough season, maybe Shipley could at least join the conversation, but that is a big if.
Not Technically in the ACC
While Notre Dame is technically not part of the ACC, the program is heavily linked to the conference, despite remaining independent. Its new quarterback is another name that could make waves in the Heisman conversation. Sam Hartman headlined College Football news by deciding to transfer to the Fighting Irish from Wake Forest, a school in the ACC.
Last season, Hartman had a record-setting season in the ACC and is now only moving to a bigger program. Being a part of Notre Dame gives him more primetime opportunities, which could boost Hartman’s stock for the Heisman, especially if he plays like he did last season, throwing for 3,701 yards and 38 touchdowns.
Drake Maye and Jordan Travis Lead the Way
Drake Maye and Jordan Travis are two of the names that come after Williams in most NCAAF football odds for the Heisman Trophy. Both quarterbacks had impressive 2022 seasons and still have quality teams that could help them contend for the ACC Championship, getting them closer to the Heisman.
Current Heisman odds ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fOiavjXTPc
— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) June 4, 2023
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It was Maye’s redshirt freshman season in 2022, playing well above that level. He would throw for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. Maye would also make plays with his legs, rushing for 698 yards and seven touchdowns.
North Carolina would play great, with Maye leading the way, only losing once in the first 10 games. However, he struggled to close out the season, throwing three interceptions in the final four games, losing each, including the ACC Championship and a bowl game. Getting a slight bump in stats, and a little more team success could put Maye firmly in the conversation for the Heisman.
Jordan Travis is legit. pic.twitter.com/9uQK2oPW1w
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) June 8, 2023
Travis had his own impressive season with Florida State. He threw for 3,214 yards, and 24 touchdowns. The Seminoles relied on his consistent play, with him hardly making mistakes, leading the ACC in quarterback rating. While he wasn’t as impactful running the ball as Maye, Travis still scrambled for 417 yards and seven touchdowns. He led Florida State to a 10-3 record with a bowl win.
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