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The Heisman Trophy conversation is heating up as college football enters Week 10, with several contenders looking to seize the moment on the national stage. Among the most intriguing storylines is the Miami duo of quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney, who will have a prime opportunity to impress voters when the Hurricanes host Notre Dame in a highly anticipated matchup.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, long considered a frontrunner, has seen his candidacy wobble amid the Buckeyes' recent offensive inconsistencies, particularly with starting quarterback Julian Sayin sidelined. In Ohio State's 30-18 upset loss to Southern California in Week 9, Smith hauled in 10 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, setting the Big Ten record for career receiving touchdowns with his 40th. Despite the team's struggles, Smith remains a top contender, ranking second nationally with 1,067 receiving yards. However, the play of true freshman quarterback Luke Fahey could impact Smith's Heisman hopes moving forward.
Mensah, a transfer from Tulane and Duke, has been exceptional for Miami, ranking eighth nationally with 2,425 passing yards and tied for first with 25 passing touchdowns. He has thrown just one interception and boasts the nation's best QBR at 90.3, completing 80.7% of his passes. A strong performance against Notre Dame, with ESPN's College GameDay in attendance, could propel him to the top of the Heisman race.
Toney, Mensah's favorite target, has been equally impressive, recording 73 receptions for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has been particularly dominant in Miami's last three games against Florida State, Pittsburgh, and North Carolina, amassing 34 catches for 433 yards and seven scores during that stretch. A standout game against the Fighting Irish could catapult Toney into the Heisman spotlight, perhaps even ahead of his quarterback.
Key Analysis
Elsewhere, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss rebounded from a Week 8 loss to Texas with a solid performance in Week 9, completing 22 of 34 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 65 rushing yards and another score. He faces another chance to shine when the Rebels host Georgia in Week 10.
LSU's Sam Leavitt has quietly emerged as a dark horse, ranking fourth nationally in QBR at 85.3 and coming off back-to-back games with over 300 total yards and eight total touchdowns without a turnover. A win over Alabama on Nov. 7 could significantly boost his profile.
Notre Dame's CJ Carr turned in a steady performance in a 35-13 win over Navy, completing 19 of 29 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. The Fighting Irish led just 14-13 at halftime, but Carr's efficiency and the team's national brand keep him in the conversation. A big game against Miami could vault him back into the elite tier of contenders.
Georgia's Gunner Stockton may not light up the stat sheet, but he operates the offense efficiently and makes winning plays. In a 27-8 victory over Florida, he completed 13 of 23 passes for 101 yards and rushed for 45 yards, doing enough to keep the Bulldogs on track.
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker delivered a stellar individual performance in a 51-49 loss to Iowa State, passing for 323 yards and five touchdowns. However, the Cowboys' defense allowed 521 total yards, dropping them to two conference losses and dimming their Big 12 title hopes. Mestemaker's Heisman chances may hinge on the team's ability to win.
Oregon State's Jesse Legree, a true freshman, had a rough outing in a 38-22 loss to Fresno State but still leads the nation with 1,110 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. The loss likely dented his Heisman hopes, but he remains on the radar.
Finally, Wake Forest's Gio Lopez has emerged as a compelling story. The left-handed quarterback has thrown for 2,176 yards and 18 touchdowns with just one interception, adding 317 rushing yards and six scores. His 84.4 QBR ranks sixth nationally. After being benched at North Carolina last season, Lopez has led the Demon Deacons to unexpected success and could enter the Heisman conversation if Wake Forest keeps winning.
Originally reported by yahoo.