sportingnews
The Heisman Trophy race has been shaken up by the re-emergence of BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier, whose late touchdown pass secured a 28-24 victory over Notre Dame on Saturday. Bachmeier's return to the top contenders list comes after a performance that showcased his versatility: he threw for a touchdown, ran for two more, and even caught a scoring pass.
As a result, the Cougars have surged to No. 2 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll. Meanwhile, Oregon State receiver Jesse Legree, a true freshman, has made his debut among the top contenders after surpassing 100 receiving yards for the seventh consecutive game. The 5-foot-10 speedster leads the nation with 14 touchdown receptions and became the first FBS player to reach 1,000 receiving yards this season during a win over Washington State on Saturday.
Miami's Malachi Toney also rejoins the top contenders after a brief absence. Toney hauled in 11 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns in a 43-35 double-overtime victory over Florida State, helping the Hurricanes ascend to No. 1 in the AP Top 25. Miami quarterback Darian Mensah, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, and Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith have maintained their spots as mainstays on the list.
Key Analysis
Four players have slipped from the top contenders to the fringe category following less impressive performances or outcomes. Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover fell to Ohio State, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton lost at home to Auburn, Missouri running back Jamal Roberts was contained in a loss to Ole Miss, and Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr suffered a defeat to BYU.
Heisman Trophy voters Cliff Brunt and Jeff Hauser, who cover college football for The Sporting News, have compiled an alphabetical watch list of players they would strongly consider for their top three if ballots were due today. The highlighted players are those in the top five for one or both voters, while the fringe list includes players being monitored but who did not crack the top five this week.
Below is a detailed look at the top contenders and their season stats, last game performances, and upcoming matchups:
- Bear Bachmeier, QB, BYU: Season stats: Six games, 65.8% completions, 1,257 yards passing, nine TDs; 284 yards rushing, six TDs. Last game: Completed 23 of 36 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown, ran for 45 yards and two scores, and caught a touchdown pass in the win over Notre Dame. Next game: BYU visits Central Florida on Saturday.
- Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss: Season stats: Six games, 67.6% completions, 1,676 yards and 14 TDs passing; 127 yards and six TDs rushing. Last game: Completed 20 of 36 passes for 241 yards and three TDs and ran for a score in a 31-3 win over Missouri on Saturday. Next game: Ole Miss visits Texas on Saturday.
- Jesse Legree, WR, Oregon State: Season stats: Seven games, 46 catches for 1,040 yards and 14 touchdowns. Has a touchdown reception of at least 70 yards in four different games. Last game: Caught eight passes for 108 yards, including a 90-yard touchdown reception in a 48-30 win over Washington State on Saturday. Next game: Oregon State has a bye before visiting Fresno State on Oct. 31.
- Darian Mensah, QB, Miami: Season stats: Six games, 80.8% completions, 1,764 yards, 18 touchdown passes to one interception; 204.2 passer rating. Last game: Completed 23 of 34 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns in a 43-35 double-overtime win over Florida State on Saturday. Next game: Miami hosts Pitt on Saturday.
- Malachi Toney, WR, Miami: Season stats: Six games, 50 catches for 750 yards and eight TDs; 50 yards rushing. Last game: Caught 11 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns against Florida State.
- Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State: Season stats: Seven games, nation-leading 52 catches for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last game: Caught four passes for 68 yards and a touchdown in a 19-15 win over Indiana on Saturday. Up next: Ohio State has a bye before visiting USC on Oct. 31.
On the fringe: Braden Atkinson, Oregon State; Jadan Baugh, Florida; DeSean Bishop, Tennessee; CJ Carr, Notre Dame; Josh Hoover, Indiana; Kevin Jennings, SMU; Lincoln Kienholz, Louisville; Gio Lopez, Wake Forest; Jayden Maiava, USC; Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State; Jamal Roberts, Missouri; Julian Sayin, Ohio State; LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina; Nate Sheppard, Duke; Colin Simmons, Texas; Gunner Stockton, Georgia; Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State; Conner Weigman, Houston.
More College Football news: - Week Three Heisman Update - Week Four Heisman Update - Week Five Heisman Update - Week Six Heisman Update - Unitas Award semifinalists announced.
Originally reported by sportingnews.