As college football enters its final month of regular season play, the race for the Heisman Trophy has shifted dramatically toward South Florida. Two stars from the University of Miami, wide receiver Malachi Toney and quarterback Darian Mensah, have emerged as the clear frontrunners following a dominant October. While there is an inevitable concern that teammates will split the voting in December, their individual statistics are becoming impossible to ignore. Toney has already eclipsed 1,000 yards and is on pace to hit nearly 20 receiving touchdowns by Thanksgiving, while Mensah currently leads the nation in passing scores with a staggering completion rate over 80 percent.
Meanwhile, the road to New York has become significantly steeper for Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith. Once considered a lock for serious contention, Smith’s candidacy took a hit during a stagnant offensive performance against USC. With freshman Luke Fahey stepping in at quarterback due to Julian Sayin’s injury, the Buckeyes struggled to find rhythm. Although Smith still managed double digit receptions, much of his production came via underneath routes during garbage time rather than game breaking plays. It remains to be seen if he can regain his momentum or if the instability at quarterback will keep him off the podium.
Outside of the primary battle between Miami and Columbus, several other players are fighting for visibility in November. LSU’s Sam Leavitt has quietly climbed back into the conversation after erasing turnovers from his game, setting up high profile clashes against Alabama and Texas that could serve as catalysts for his campaign. Similarly, Duke running back Nate Sheppard continues to carry his team’s offense single handedly, leading the country in total touchdowns despite playing for a less heralded program.
The coming weekend provides a critical crossroads for these hopefuls when Notre Dame travels to face Miami. The Irish quarterback C.J. Carr possesses one of the most efficient records in the league but lacks the eye popping numbers typically required for a trophy win; facing Toney and Mensah represents his best opportunity to prove he belongs in the elite tier. As these storylines converge under the Saturday lights, it appears more likely than ever that the award will head home with one half of Miami’s lethal offensive connection.