The Seven Heisman Trophy Candidates for 2015

Both Marcus Mariota of Oregon and Jameis Winston of FSU have college eligibility left to stay in school next season.

Neither are expected to stay where they are, which should make about a half dozen teams in the NFL happy – earning a chance to potentially draft these two superstar quarterbacks.

After it was announced earlier this week that Mariota would be joining Alabama’s Amari Cooper and Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon in New York for this year’s Heisman Trophy presentation, it is now a foregone conclusion that the Oregon Duck who played the position this season better than most has played in their careers would hear his name called, much like Winston’s was last season.

Once the celebration is complete and another Heisman winner is ushered in, can we start asking who the next Heisman winner might be? Here is a look at seven contenders who might bring home the hardware.

Derrick Henry – Alabama

For everything that TJ Yeldon was in the Crimson Tide attack, Henry offers a more bruising style of running and will be the featured back of the Alabama rushing game next season. Having seen him run in high school and college, he reminds me of Eric Dickerson.

Nick Chubb – Georgia

The play of Chubb, a freshman last season, was impressive. He stepped right in when Todd Gurley was suspended, then filled in when Gurley’s college career ended with a knee injury versus Auburn. Chubb could actually be better than Gurley was.

Ezekiel Elliott – Ohio State

He has been a major reason the Buckeyes are in the College Football Playoff. Elliott is elusive and powerful. While Ohio State has gone through three quarterbacks this season, Elliott has been the one constant in the Buckeyes offense.

Demarcus Robinson – Florida

I believe this is the one player who be the surprise of the Heisman class. If Jim McElwain can work his offensive magic and finds the quarterback that can run his offense, Robinson could have a huge season.

Dak Prescott – Mississippi State

I do not expect Prescott to stop playing the style of ball he exhibited this season. While Prescott is not a big NFL prospect, he is a great college quarterback and could keep the Bulldogs at the top of the SEC West next season.

Trevone Boykin – TCU

The TCU train is not going to show down with Gary Patterson running the show. Boykin has been a solid player all season and a Heisman contender. That should not stop next year, in fact he could be a frontrunner.

Jacoby Brissett – North Carolina State

Brissett is my dark horse to win the award. He proved this season that Florida and Will Muschamp made the wrong decision about which quarterback to keep. With his arm improving and  his feet, he could lead the Wolfpack to new heights.