Each week throughout the season I'll be highlighting whom I feel are the front runners for the Heisman Trophy. As performances happen, guys will rise, guys will fall. At the end of the season, what will be left is the cream of the crop from this college football season.

That being said, let's get it started.


QB Robert Beall (UCLA) 20 of 32, 62.5% completion, 487 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT 132.81 QBR
QB Beall had the offense for the Bruins running on all cylinders against the Oregon Ducks. He spread it out amongst 6 different targets, highlighted by 4 receptions for 198 yards and 2 TD by RB Bobbie Warfield. An interception on the first play of the game and a fumble later in the half were the only two blemishes on his record in this one. Up next for UCLA is a week 2 matchup against a tough Army team coming off a dominant defensive performance. We will see how QB Beall performs against a more defensive minded team.

RB Stephen Figueroa (LSU) 32 carries, 199 yards, 1 TD. 3 receptions, 9 yards. 55 return yards.
RB Figueroa ran through Alabama's experienced defense at will, falling just 3 carries short of breaking OK RB Samaje Perine's 2014 record of 34 carries in a game. He was a true workhorse, contributing stats in nearly every offensive category.

RB Ray Ferguson (Marshall) 30 carries, 208 yards, 0 TD.
Ferguson gained the tough yards, as he put the Thundering Herd on his back and carried them to a hard fought 16-14 victory over the USC Trojans. He's their main offensive weapon, so it'll be interesting to see how teams game plan for him moving forward, and how he reacts to being highlighted.

WR Steve Gartman (Iowa) 7 Receptions, 263 yards, 3 TD
Gartman proved why he was such a coveted recruit, as he was able to slip past OK's secondary for 3 scores while racking up the most reception yardage in NCAA's first week of action. It wasn't enough in the end to overcome the Boomer Sooners, and like most seasons, losing teams don't keep their players in the Heisman race over the long haul. A win against the Sun Devils in week 2 will go a long way to ensuring his place on this list.

WR William Malley (Clemson) 6 Receptions, 246 yards, 3 TD
WR Malley is not your typical burner WR. He possesses less than ideal speed and acceleration. He makes up for the lack of speed by his uncanny knowledge of all the routes on the tree and executing them flawlessly. He kept the Canes' defensive backs from smothering him and helped Clemson pull the mild upset. Next week he goes against fellow week 1 winner Syracuse and their tough defensive backfield. That should tell us if this was just smoke and mirrors or a sign of things to come.

Triple Threat RB (Arizona State) Douglas Smith:

Rushing: 16 Attempts, 85 Yards 5.3 YPC, 0 TD.
Receiving: 5 Receptions, 5 Targets, 138 Yards, 27.6 YPR, Long 67, 2 TD.
Return: 2 KOR, 83 Yards, 42.0 YPKR.

Total: 23 Touches, 306 Yards, 13.3 YPT, 2 TTD.

Seward was solid as well in that game for ASU

51.3% hurts him, but the 5 TD to 1 INT I like and he put it down the field where people could make plays. A good game by him, to be certain.

Week 2 is in the books, let's get to it...


RB Ray Ferguson (Marshall) 75 carries, 483 yards, 1 TD. 2 receptions, 32 yards.
Ferguson followed up his impressive 208 yards rushing in game one of the season with an astonishing 275 yards and a TD in a beat down of the Stanford Cardinal. He seems to get stronger as the game gets deeper. One thing to keep in mind is he's put up these numbers against teams that are a combined 0-4.
Up Next: Arkansas Razorbacks

RB Francis Carey (Iowa) 38 carries, 298 yards, 2 TD. 7 receptions, 117 yards, 3 TD. 5 KR, 115 yards.
Iowa's do everything back, Carey has led the way for the dynamic Hawkeye offense. He is a versatile threat who can tote the rock out of the backfield, yet has the receiving skills to split out wide and stretch the defense. He's in the perfect offense to showcase his ability. It should be fun to watch moving forward.
Up Next: Arizona Wildcats


QB Robert Beall (UCLA) 40 of 66, 60.6 completion percentage, 808 yards, 10 TD, 2 INT, 130.56 QBR.
Beall followed up his astounding week 1 game with another solid effort against a tough Army team, throwing for 321 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT in close victory. He should continue putting up the numbers in this dynamic offense, and he'll need to as the Bruins defense has allowed 30+ points in each of the 2 games thus far. This UCLA team will go as far as Beall's arm carries them.
Up Next: USC Trojans

WR William Malley (Clemson) 10 receptions, 410 yards, 4 TD.
Averaging 41 yards per reception, Malley currently leads the NCAA in reception yardage. He continued stretching the field against a tough LSU team to the tune of 164 yards and 1 TD. His yardage comes in chunks, and as the season progresses it will be interesting to see if the emergence of current #1 WR Charles Ford has an impact on his numbers going forward.
Up Next: Alabama Crimson Tide


Fell off the pace:

RB Stephen Figueroa (LSU) Following a stellar showing in Week 1, Figueroa cratered in Week 2, managing just 32 yards on 18 carries. He did gain 150 Kick return yardage against, Clemson, but that's more a function of Clemson's offense going off on a stunned LSU defense for 34 points. He could once again flash with a matchup next week against a tough Army team.

WR Steven Gartman (Iowa) After a 263 yard performance against Oklahoma in the first game of the season, Gartman was locked down against the Sun Devils. While catching 7 ***** again in this one, he was unable to break tackles, gaining just 46 yards. He was targeted 14 times in game one, but was only given 8 looks against ASU. With the Jack of all Trades RB Carey now on the scene, it will be intriguing to see how the ball is spread around on this explosive team moving forward.


Making a move up the list:

RB Ivan Thibodaux (Stanford) Setting an NCAA record for Return Yards in a game (397) and scoring 2 TDs in the process will turn a few heads. His 529 total return yards on the season is staggering as well. He's also almost a third of the way to breaking the single season record of 1,616 KO yards. Therefore, he makes this list of guys to keep an eye on moving forward.

Week 3


QB Robert Beall (UCLA) 58.4%, 1,186 passing yards, 13 TD, 2 INT, 131.02 QBR
Another stellar performance by Beall in week three action vs rival USC, throwing for 376 yards with 3 TD and zero INT. He seems destined to appear in New York City at the end of the season, with a likely possibility to be hoisting the coveted trophy at the end of the night. While his numbers are phenomenal so far on the season, the combined record of the teams played thus far is 1-8. A matchup in week 5 against Arizona looms large early in the season and we should learn his true staying power following that one. Up Next: Rutgers

QB Brandon Wimbush (ND) 55.0%, 1,127 passing yards, 10 TD, 3 INT, 115.71 QBR
Wimbush is back in the early conversation after a 400 yard day against Ole Miss. He's going to have up and down games this season, as most Freshman encounter, but being the starting QB on a Notre Dame team should be enough to keep him among the Heisman hopefuls all season. His lack of mobility may come into play as the season rolls on however, as he's been sacked 18 times already. Up next: Marshall

RB Ray Ferguson (Marshall) 108 rushes, 663 yards, 3 TD.
At this point, Ferguson should consider changing his name to workhorse. He's averaging 36 carries per game. Omitted from last week's report, he shattered the old NCAA record for carries in a game by toting the rock against Stanford a staggering 45 times. While it's still early, he's on pace to demolish Barry Sander's single season record for rushing yards of 2,628. (3,536) Notre Dame and their run stuffing defense is up next. While it's a tough matchup for sure, my money is on Ferguson to find a way to keep things rolling.
Up Next: Notre Dame

RB Stephen Figueroa (LSU) 82 carries, 574 yards, 4 TD. 10 KR, 257 yards
343 rushing yards and 3 TD will get your name back on the board. After a sluggish game against Clemson, Figueroa came out and ran all over a tough Army defense. While LSU coaches would like to see more balance from their offensive attack, taking the ball out of their stud RB hands would be a mistake. Up Next: Florida Gators

WR William Malley (Clemson) 17 receptions, 619 yards, 6 TD
Another game, another stunning performance for Malley. This time, 209 yards on just 7 catches with 2 TD against Alabama. He continues his quick strike nature, averaging 36.4 YPC. He is definitely turning heads thus far down in South Carolina. Up Next: FSU

WR Quincy Brown (ND) 19 receptions, 571 yards, 4 TD
The top WR on Notre Dame's team, Brown has an impressive 30.1 YPC in 3 games. With fellow Heisman hopeful Wimbush under center, we can expect this level of production to continue all season long. Up Next: Marshall

Others in contention:


RB Francis Carey (Iowa) 56 carries, 386 yards, 2 TD. 9 receptions, 165 yards, 4 TD. 7 KR, 155 yards.

RB Bobbie Warfield (UCLA) 39 carries, 422 yards, 4 TD. 4 receptions, 198 yards, 2 TD.

WR Charles Shackleford (Tennessee) 13 receptions 446 yards, 7 TD. 5 KR, 163 yards.

QB Neal Obrien (Clemson) 50.9%, 1,092 yards, 11 TD, 3 INT, 109.03 QBR

QB Jonathan Demartini (Tennessee) 50%, 1,082 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT, 114.53 QBR

Week 4 Heisman Watch


QB Robert Beall (UCLA) 59.9%, 1,608 yards, 17 TD, 4 INT, 128.29 QBR
Robert keeps chugging along, throwing for 422 yards, 4 TD and 2 INT this week against a struggling Rutgers team. He has been arguably been the best, most consistent QB thus far in the season. He spreads the ball around the field and avoids the costly mistakes. As was mentioned last week however, opponents' 3-13 record cast doubt on his ability to perform against stiffer competition. I for one will be watching his performance against fellow 4-0 juggernaut Arizona this week to see if he's for real. Up Next: Arizona

QB Cedric Lett (Ohio State) 62.7%, 1,453 yards, 9 TD, 2 INT, 119.58 QBR
He's currently 3rd in the nation in pass accuracy among QBs with enough passing attempts and 2nd in passing yards. While he may not have a gaudy TD numbers, he more than makes up for it with his game management. Last time out against Oklahoma, he just about 64% again throwing for over 400 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. Some say he's playing above his abilities, but sometimes it just clicks. Up Next: Michigan

QB Jonathan Demartini (Tennessee) 50.4%, 1,332 yards, 16 TD, 4 INT, 116.88 QBR
When 250 passing yards, 3 TD and 0 INT is considered a down game you know you're having a good season. His ability to escape the pocket and avoid the sack allows him to extend plays, giving his receivers time to run open. Given the type of play calling the Offensive Coordinator likes to use, Demartini should remain one of the front runners all season.
Up Next: USC Trojans

RB Stephen Figueroa (LSU) 116 carries, 779 yards, 6 TD. 10 KR, 257 yards.
There's not more to say about this back. He is leading the NCAA in rushing yards and rushing TD. He's a true 3 down back for LSU and they will go as far as Figueroa carries them. A knee injury suffered last game could keep him sidelined for a couple games. The coaching staff have been mum so far on their plans for the young back, but you could see signs of worry on their faces. Up Next: Ole Miss

RB Ray Ferguson (Marshall) 108 carries, 663 rushing yards, 3 TD
The Thundering Herd sat Ferguson as a precaution last game against rival Notre Dame and he still ranks 2nd in rushing yards. He should be back in the lineup this week as they take on Navy. Up Next: Navy

WR William Malley (Clemson) 23 receptions, 717 yards, 7 TD
While 6 catches for 98 yards and 1 TD may be a good game for most, it was a bit of a let down for Malley last time out against FSU. UCLA is up next for Clemson, and while they are 3-1, it's because their offense simply outscores people. We will see if he can rebound, or if the emergence of #1 WR Ford continues to cut into his production. Up Next: UCLA

WR Charles Shackleford (Tennessee) 16 receptions, 494 yards, 7 TD. 9 KR, 346 yards, 1 KR TD.
Shackleford stretches the field for this Tennessee team, as he's averaging 30.9 YPC thus far this season, a number that declined due to a 16 YPC last week, which would have been a great YPC for many other wide outs. His 107 yard kickoff return last week against Kentucky helped vault him onto this list. His production as a WR dipped last game, so rebounding against the Trojans will be key to him staying on this list. Up Next: USC Trojans


Others in contention:

WR Quincy Brown (ND) 25 receptions, 692 yards, 4 TD

WR Lenard Simmons (LSU) 16 receptions, 534 yards, 3 TD

WR Marquis Brown (OU) 12 KR, 547 KR Yards, 3 KR TD

RB Francis Carey (Iowa) 75 carries, 475 yards, 2 TD. 12 receptions, 205 yards, 4 TD. 8 KR, 176 KR TD

QB Neal Obrien (Clemson) 50.7%, 1,415 yards, 14 TD, 4 INT, 103.61 QBR

As Week 5 enters our rearview mirrors, we start to look to pare down the list to the real contenders.

QB Robert Beall (UCLA) 58.3%, 1,856 yards, 18 TD, 4 INT, 119.61 QBR
Bruins' offense looked pedestrian against a formidable Arizona defense. Beall was held to season lows in every category, throwing for just 52.6%, 248 yards, 1 TD, and an 81.91 QBR. This was an early season chance to show some of his doubters that he could perform against the better teams in this league, and it appears he failed. We'll see how he gets back on track next week against a Kentucky Wildcat team who is no pushover themselves, or if this was a sign of the things to come. Up Next: Kentucky

RB Ray Ferguson (Marshall) 131 carries, 827 yards, 3 TD
After sitting a game with an ankle injury, Ferguson came out against Navy and had another solid day. He rushed for 164 yards on just 23 carries. While he's capable of being a workhorse, as his 35 rushes a game leading up to this can attest to, scaling back his touches a bit may be key to his continued production. Also, finding the endzone a bit more may help his candidacy as we progress through the season. Up Next: Ole Miss

RB Stephen Figueroa (LSU) 116 carries, 779 yards, 6 TD. 10 KR, 257 yards
Another top running back on this season's Heisman list with a bit of an injury concern, Figueroa missed the Tigers' win over Ole Miss. It's being reported as a knee sprain, but the vagueness of this prognosis leads us to question whether he'll see the field next week as they take on a struggling Navy squad. If he misses significant time, his spot on the list will be in jeopardy. Up Next: Navy

RB Bobbie Warfield (UCLA) 82 carries, 611 yards, 5 TD. 9 receptions, 382 yards, 4 TD.
Warfield has a nose for the end zone, as he's found paydirt 9 times on the season. He is a versatile weapon in this UCLA offense. While most of his team was getting shut down against the Wildcats, Warfield managed 128 rushing yards on the day. Shutting every facet of this offense will be nearly impossible, which always gives him a chance to continue his Heisman hopeful season. Up Next: Kentucky

WR Quincy Brown (Notre Dame) 32 receptions, 919 yards, 6 TD
Brown posted a monster stat line last week against rival Army, catching 7 passes for 227 yards and 2 TD, vaulting him once more into the conversation for inclusion in the season ending presentation in New York City. Another tasty opponent is up next in Arkansas where we expect another outstanding performance. Up Next: Arkansas


WR Lenard Simmons (LSU) 24 receptions, 793 yards, 6 TD
Back to back games with over 250 yards receiving has gotten Simmons national coverage. He has the potential to blossom into an elite receiver. As of yet, however, he's a freshman who's still learning the route tree and how to hang onto the ball at this higher level. The thought that he'll be around for years to come will certainly make defensive coordinators and secondaries around the SEC spend a little more time in game planning. Up next: Navy

WR William Malley (Clemson) 27 receptions, 787 yards, 7 TD
Another disappointing game, this time against a Cal team not known for their defense has Malley clinging to this list for dear life. A third straight performance against the Orange will finish his fall from grace. Up Next: Syracuse

WR Charles Shackleford (TENN) 24 receptions, 743 yards, 9 TD. 9 KR, 346 yards, 1 KR TD.
Shackleford was a one man wrecking crew against Kentucky. He accounted for 3 TD on the day, highlighted by his explosive 107 kickoff return for a TD. His 249 yards receiving didn't hurt either. He seems to be getting stronger as the season progresses. Up Next: Georgia

Week 7

QB Robert Beall (UCLA) 61.9%, 2,937 yards, 26 TD, 4 INT, 132.50 QBR
In the Heisman race, there is Beall then everyone else. He's been the most consistent performer in the NCAA this season, putting up impressive numbers as we reach the halfway point. He's on pace to shatter NCAA records for both passing yards and passing TD's in a single season. Up Next: Arizona State

QB Brandon Wimbush (ND) 51%, 2,467 yards, 20 TD, 6 INT, 104.56 QBR
Wimbush recovered from a rough outing against Marshall and has put up Heisman numbers since. He's not as flashy as Robert Beall, but at the end of the season he'll be in the conversation with him in NYC. Up Next: Rutgers


RB Bobbie Warfield (UCLA) 127 carries, 877 yards, 10 TD. 25 receptions, 777 yards, 6 TD.
Warfield is a versatile weapon that fits the dynamic Bruins' offense perfectly. While opposing defenses are trying to plug the run, Warfield slips out of the backfield and catches passes for big plays. Slowing Warfield down keeps Defensive Coordinators around the league up all night. Up Next: Arizona State

RB Ray Ferguson (Marshall) 161 carries, 1,077 yards, 4 TD. 4 receptions, 45 yards.
Ferguson has proven the ability to carry the rock effectively when he's able to play, as evidence by his recent 250 yard performance against Ole Miss. Unfortunately, two things are against his chances. He's missed two games thus far, and like the old saying, the best ability is availability. Secondly, while he's racking up the yardage, touchdowns are tough to come by for the young RB. Finding the end zone is very important to the Heisman voters. If he's hoping to stay relevant, he'll need to pick up the pace on scoring. Up Next: Oregon

WR Quincy Brown (ND) 44 receptions, 1,158 yards, 7 TD.
Brown has shown the ability to catch the tough passes, having recorded only one drop on the season. He's leading the NCAA in yardage, and shows no signs of slowing. Like Warfield, Brown benefits from a superior signal caller in the form of Wimbush. Up Next: Rutgers

Halfway through the season and the Heisman picture is coming into focus. As we turn to the second half, let's take a look at who some of the leaders are.

QB Robert Beall (UCLA) 63.1%, 3,342 yards, 33 TD, 5 INT, 138.76 QBR
On pace to shatter several NCAA single season records. Nothing more to say about him than already has been written. One stat to note however. 6 of the 8 opponents played by UCLA this season rank in the bottom half of the NCAA in yards from scrimmage per game. The other two were Arizona and Rutgers. Arizona held him in to his worst statistical performance of the season across the board in a loss, while Rutgers accounted for two of his 5 INT on the season and his third worst QBR of the season. Up Next: Florida


RB Bobbie Warfield (UCLA) 146 carries, 1,132 rushing yards, 11 TD. 29 receptions, 894 yards, 7 TD.
Right now, the only player stopping this from being a runaway is Beall's fellow teammate Warfield. He's a versatile back who can gash you on the ground yet catch the pass out of the backfield and take it to the house. Up Next: Florida

WR Quincy Brown (Notre Dame) 48 receptions, 1,186 yards, 1 Drop, 8 TD.
Quincy makes the Fighting Irish offense go. In games in which he scores a TD they are 6-0. When he doesn't, they are 1-1. Up Next: Arizona State

DT Neville Walton (Cal) 19 sacks, 28 tackles, 54 hurries.
He's well on his way to shattering Terrell Suggs' 2002 sack record. His 54 hurries is second most in the league. He spends just as much time in the backfield as his opponent's signal caller. Up Next: Miami Hurricanes