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The college football regular season has reached its midpoint, and eight teams still boast unblemished records. Among the weekend's developments, Oklahoma's victory over Texas eliminated Arch Manning from Heisman consideration after he threw two interceptions on Saturday.
For any player whose team has yet to lose, a Heisman case can typically be made. However, two specific athletes from the same unranked program deserve recognition as well.
Here are six players on the Heisman Trophy watch list following Week 6:
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
In Ohio State's 45-16 win over Maryland on Saturday, Smith had a comparatively quiet outing. He recorded a season-low four receptions but still amassed 93 yards and scored twice. The Buckeyes receiver has now posted multiple touchdowns in four of OSU's first six games and has accumulated 916 receiving yards this season. He ranks second in Division I in receptions, touchdown catches, and receiving yards at the midway point. Should Smith maintain this pace, he could become the third wide receiver in the last seven seasons to claim the award, joining Travis Hunter (who also played defensive back) two years ago and DeVonta Smith in 2020.
Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
Miami remained undefeated with a win over Clemson on Saturday, led by Mensah's efficient quarterback play. He completed 18-of-27 passes for 227 yards and one touchdown, and added a rushing score. For the season, Mensah is completing an extraordinary 84.2% of his passes with 15 touchdowns and zero interceptions. If the Hurricanes can navigate their schedule and Mensah continues to protect the ball at such a remarkable rate, he should be a finalist.
CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame improved to 6-0 with a dominant win over Stanford. Carr was efficient, throwing for 181 yards and three touchdowns. He now has 16 touchdown passes and just one interception this season. Any star quarterback whose team starts undefeated immediately enters Heisman contention, and the Fighting Irish have provided solid protection for Carr.
Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia
Georgia defeated Alabama on Saturday, with Stockton outplaying Keelon Russell. Stockton completed 18-of-22 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown. He ran for a score to give Georgia a third-quarter lead, then directed two fourth-quarter drives that ended in field goal attempts before running out the clock on the final possession to seal the win. Stockton has 1,298 passing yards, 14 touchdown passes, and two interceptions this season. But the most telling numbers are zero and one—respectively, Georgia's loss total and its poll ranking.
Braden Atkinson and Jesse Legree, Oregon State
How much longer can the nation overlook what is happening in Corvallis, Oregon? In a win over San Diego State on Saturday, Atkinson completed 29-of-38 passes for 409 yards and five touchdowns. He leads FBS with 2,257 passing yards and 21 touchdown passes this season. His top target, wide receiver Jesse Legree, has more receiving yards and touchdown receptions than Jeremiah Smith. Despite these gaudy numbers, the duo remains a longshot due to the Beavers' start. Oregon State opened the season with back-to-back losses to Houston and Texas Tech, both of which were ranked at the time and remain in the top 25 a month later. Atkinson and Legree put up huge numbers against both opponents. Perhaps it is time to reconsider their Heisman viability.
Originally reported by yahoo.