In a year full of uncertainty and wide-open possibilities, The Athletic Heisman draft is back, showcasing a new batch of contenders vying for the prestigious award. As the dust settles from the departure of last season’s finalists to the NFL, the race for the Heisman Trophy remains as exciting and unpredictable as ever. Will a household name rise to claim the prize, or will an under-the-radar talent steal the spotlight?
The format of this yearly preseason tradition remains unchanged: writers are randomly assigned a draft order and have four rounds to select their picks for this season’s Heisman hopefuls. The writer whose selections accumulate the most points by December will earn bragging rights for the next year.
The scoring system is simple yet rewarding:
- Heisman Trophy winner: 15 points
- Second-place finish: 9 points
- Third place: 8 points
- Fourth place: 7 points
- Fifth place: 6 points
- Sixth place: 5 points
- Seventh place: 4 points
- Eighth place: 3 points
- Ninth place: 2 points
- 10th place: 1 point
- Invited to New York City: +5 bonus
- Midseason Heisman leader: +5 bonus
The anticipation builds as writers make their selections in the snake draft: Justin Williams kicks off the draft with QB Carson Beck from Georgia, a safe but solid choice. The excitement continues with intriguing picks like Luther Burden from Missouri and Jalen Milroe from Alabama.
Each writer backs their selections with convincing arguments, explaining why their chosen players have what it takes to be Heisman contenders. From seasoned quarterbacks to breakout stars, the field is diverse and full of potential.
As the draft unfolds, the predictions become bolder, with writers speculating on dark horse candidates and sleeper picks. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce as each writer aims to draft the next Heisman Trophy winner.
The stage is set for an exciting college football season, with the Heisman race adding an extra layer of drama and anticipation. Only time will tell which player will rise to the occasion and etch their name in Heisman history. Stay tuned for updates and analysis as the season progresses, and the quest for the Heisman Trophy heats up.
