We are still several months away from the start of the 2012 college football schedule, but here at Bankroll Sports, we never stop looking at some of the best NCAA football odds on the internet. Take a first look at the 2012 Heisman Trophy odds along with some of our early Heisman Trophy picks and predictions for the upcoming season.

With so many of the other Heisman Trophy candidates declaring for the NFL Draft, it is no surprise that the man that is the favorite to win the 2012 Heisman Trophy is a man that elected to pass on the NFL for one more year at the collegiate level. USC Trojans QB Matt Barkley (Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 3.85 to 1 at JustBet Sportsbook) is clearly going to be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation this year. In fact, the whole Southern Cal team is going to be great this year, especially with WR Robert Woods leading a talented set of receivers this year. The Pac-12 has the potential to be not all that fantastic with teams like the Oregon Ducks and Stanford Cardinal getting ripped apart by players leaving for the NFL, and the Trojans are clearly playing in the worst half of their conference. This all bodes well for the Trojans and for Barkley, who has to be considered the top returning quarterback this year.

As we found out last year though, the man that is the bona fide favorite isn’t always the one that ends up winning the award. The Michigan Wolverines had a heck of a year in 2011 under the direction of new Head Coach Brady Hoke. If Big Blue can contend for the Big Ten title again this season, the man that could be on a lot of Heisman Trophy ballots is QB Denard Robinson (Current Heisman Trophy Odds: 6.50 to 1 at JustBet Sportsbook). Robinson has over 2,000 passing yards and over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first two seasons calling the shots in Ann Arbor, and he is going to surely be in a position to put up these types of numbers once again. The Wolverines are going in the right direction, and Robinson is a big part of the reason for that. This is a man that has flirted with the Heisman in the past, but right now, Robinson is more or less this year’s version of last year’s Heisman winner, Baylor Bears’ QB Robert Griffin III.

Of the four Heisman Trophy finalists on the offensive side of the ball from last year, the only one of the bunch that is coming back to school this year is Wisconsin Badgers RB Montee Ball (Heisman Trophy Betting Lines: 5 to 1 at JustBet Sportsbook). We just can’t see how Ball is going to put up numbers that were better than what he had last year when he rushed for 1,759 yards and accounted for a total of 39 TDs. Parlay all of that with the fact that the Badgers won the Big Ten and played in the Rose Bowl this year, and we become very confused as to what more Ball needs to do to win the Heisman Trophy. Of course, the stats that Griffin put up last year were out of this world, but Ball wasn’t even really all that close to winning the award. Ball isn’t a flashy back, as he is more or less just that vintage “between the tackles” back, and though he is going to put up the numbers once again assuming that he stays healthy, the issue is that he just doesn’t have the flare of some of the other top players in the land.

There are a few players with some long odds that we are willing to take a stab at this year. We’ll start with the Clemson Tigers’ WR Sammy Watkins (Current Heisman Trophy Odds: 22 to 1 at BetOnline Sportsbook). Though QB Tajh Boyd is going to get a lot of the accolades for the Tigers, Watkins is clearly the player that made the difference to this team this year. Watkins does everything for Clemson, carrying the ball as a receiver, catching the ball, returning kicks, and perhaps selling popcorn on the side as well. Remember that he is only a sophomore this year. This is the year in which QB Tim Tebow won the Heisman, and it is also the year in which RB Mark Ingram won it as well. Watkins is going to be the man that has to make the Tigers the top team in the ACC once again, and if that happens, Watkins could be a Heisman contender.

We’re also going to look at the Georgia Bulldogs’ QB Aaron Murray (Current 2012 Heisman Trophy Lines: 15 to 1 at BetOnline Sportsbook). The top teams in the SEC are the ones that always have Heisman Trophy finalists. The Alabama Crimson Tide are clearly going to have some big time players, as will the LSU Tigers, but both teams are lacking stars offensively. Sure, Tyrann Mathieu was a finalist last year, but there are just so few defensive players that have the ability to actually win the award. Instead, Murray seems to be the up and coming star in this conference. He had one of the best years for a UGA quarterback in school history last year, and he was only a sophomore. The Dawgs took some major steps in the right direction this year, winning 10 straight games before losing in the SEC Championship Game. If they can keep going the right way and challenge again for the SEC crown, Murray could have a shot at posting a Heisman Trophy campaign.

2012 Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy @ BetOnline Sportsbook (as of 2/7/12):
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Matt Barkley (USC Trojans) 3 to 1
Denard Robinson (Michigan Wolverines) 5 to 1
Montee Ball (Wisconsin Badgers) 4 to 1
Landry Jones (Oklahoma Sooners) 6 to 1
Geno Smith (West Virginia Mountaineers) 7 to 1
Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina Gamecocks) 8 to 1
AJ McCarron (Alabama Crimson Tide) 8 to 1
Tajh Boyd (Clemson Tigers) 9 to 1
Taylor Martinez (Nebraska Cornhuskers) 9 to 1
De’Anthony Thomas (Oregon Ducks) 9 to 1
Rex Burkhead (Nebraska Cornhuskers) 10 to 1
Aaron Murray (Georgia Bulldogs) 15 to 1
Robert Woods (USC Trojans) 18 to 1
Tyler Wilson (Arkansas Razorbacks) 20 to 1
Sammy Watkins (Clemson Tigers) 22 to 1
Keith Price (Washington Huskies) 28 to 1
Tyrann Mathieu (LSU Tigers) 30 to 1
Giovani Bernard (North Carolina Tar Heels) 35 to 1
Isaiah Crowell (Georgia Bulldogs) 40 to 1
James Franklin (Missouri Tigers) 50 to 1
Kenny Stills (Oklahoma Sooners) 50 to 1
Malcolm Brown (Texas Longhorns) 50 to 1
Henry Josey (Missouri Tigers) 60 to 1

2012 Heisman Trophy Odds @ JustBet Sportsbook (as of 2/7/12):
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Aaron Murray (Georgia Bulldogs) 12 to 1
AJ McCarron (Alabama Crimson Tide) 20 to 1
Collin Klein (Kansas State Wildcats) 50 to 1
Dayne Crist (Kansas Jayhawks) 20 to 1
De’Anthony Thomas (Oregon Ducks) 20 to 1
Denard Robinson (Michigan Wolverines) 6.50 to 1
EJ Manuel (Florida State Seminoles) 30 to 1
Geno Smith (West Virginia Mountaineers) 8 to 1
James Vandenberg (Iowa Hawkeyes) 50 to 1
Keith Price (Washington Huskies) 28 to 1
Landry Jones (Oklahoma Sooners) 6.50 to 1
Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina Gamecocks) 15 to 1
Matt Barkley (USC Trojans) 3.85 to 1
Montee Ball (Wisconsin Badgers) 5 to 1
Rex Burkhead (Nebraska Cornhuskers) 20 to 1
Robert Woods (USC Trojans) 40 to 1
Sammy Watkins (Clemson Tigers) 20 to 1
Tajh Boyd (Clemson Tigers) 30 to 1
Taylor Martinez (Nebraska Cornhuskers) 30 to 1
Tyler Wilson (Arkansas Razorbacks) 20 to 1

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Complete List of The Current 2010 Heisman Trophy Odds Can Be Found Below

Tonight, the Heisman Trophy will be handed out to the nation’s top player, though we are already very certain that this award will be given to the great Auburn Tigers QB Cam Newton. Newton was absolutely the top player over the course of the entire season, and if there weren’t any scandals going on about whether he or his family is being paid to play at Auburn, he would have walked away with this award comfortably with a number of weeks to spare. He still might post the biggest margin of victory for this award in its illustrious history.

Newton ended the season ranked No. 10 in the land in rushing at 1,409 yards, and he easily was the top touchdown scorer on the year, accounting for 49 total TDs. He threw for 28 of them, rushed for 20, and even caught one. Newton became the second man ever to have at least 20 passing TDs and 20 rushing scores in the same season, joining a fellow Heisman Trophy winner, QB Tim Tebow from the Florida Gators. Ironically, Newton played his first two years at the University of Florida, watching Tebow tear apart the competition in the SEC.

There is very little drama surrounding who is going to win the Heisman Trophy this year, but the runner up could be a significantly more interesting thing.

Oregon Ducks RB LaMichael James was really the favorite to finish second for the majority of the season, and for good reason. He ran hog wild on everyone in the Pac-10 this year, and he was absolutely the best player on arguably the best offense that the nation has ever seen. James, only a sophomore, had 1,702 rushing yards on the season, tops in the country. The more impressive thing that we have to remember is that unlike Newton, James only had 11 games in which to put up these stats, as he was suspended for the first game of the season against the New Mexico Lobos and didn’t get the chance to play in a Conference Championship Game like Newton did.

If James does stay with the Ducks for all four years, he is probably going to obliterate every single rushing record in the books. He already has 3,248 rushing yards for his career and he a total of 35 TDs on the ground and one through the air.

James’ top competitor for second place is Stanford Cardinal junior QB Andrew Luck, who is likely to get an even bigger prize once this season is over. You can bet that whatever team has the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft this year is going to be eyeing this signal caller. Luck is built like a prototypical quarterback, as he is 6’4″ and 235 lbs. He has a cannon for an arm, and though his legs clearly aren’t what Newton’s are, Luck has the ability to get around in the pocket and escape when he really has to.

Luck really sewed up his bid to New York in his final game of the season against the Oregon State Beavers when he threw for 305 yards and four TDs without an INT. In total, the junior has 3,045 passing yards and 28 TDs against seven picks, and his 70.2 completion percentage was one of the highest in the entire country.

The fourth finalist isn’t really expected to compete in this race, but it is nice to see Boise State Broncos QB Kellen Moore here in New York. Should Moore’s Broncos have finished off the Nevada Wolf Pack, they would be playing in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day and he would most likely have finished second in this race.

Moore has numbers that are absolutely unrealistic looking. He threw for 3,506 yards and 33 TDs, marking the third straight year in which he reached the 3,500 passing yard mark, and he now has 97 TD passes against just 18 picks for his career. Should he decide to come back to Boise for his senior year, Moore is likely to challenge all sorts of passing records. Though the Heisman Trophy is clearly out of his grasp, it is great to see a mid-major player as a finalist for college football’s biggest prize. Hawaii’s QB Colt Brennan was the last man from a mid-major conference to be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2007.

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy From BetUS Sportsbook (as of 12/11/2010):
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Total Number of Points for Each Heisman Trophy Finalist
Cam Newton: 2310.5
Andrew Luck: 860.5
LaMichael James: 765.5
Kellen Moore: 500.5

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It has been a few weeks since we have broken down the best college football players in the nation to provide the candidates with the best chances of winning the 2009 Heisman Trophy watch. However, even with about 75 percent of the season over the Heisman Trophy race is still up for grabs. One thing for certain is there are plenty of quarterbacks in the mix as expected for the 2009 season. However, there are some unfamiliar faces shakings things up. The only man that could steal the hardware from the quarterbacks this season appears to be Alabama running back Mark Ingram who has exploded onto the scene in the SEC this season. However, there is still a lot of football to be played and this year’s race could likely come down to the wire. Take a look as we break down the top 5 Heisman Trophy candidates after week 10 of the college football season.

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
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• Colt McCoy 5/4
• Mark Ingram  2/7
• Ndamukong Suh 5/1
• Tim Tebow  15/1
• Toby Gerhart  3/1

Current Heisman Trophy Odds From JustBet Sportsbook (as of 12/6/2009):
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#5. QB Colt McCoy (Texas Longhorns)
Colt McCoy Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +200

I’m sure there are many fans in the state of Texas mad about ranking McCoy number 5 on the list. However, McCoy is not having the huge season that Longhorn fans might have anticipated. There is no doubt that Texas is National Championship contenders and they will likely play the winner of the SEC Championship Game for the chance at the title which will help McCoy’s chances. However, McCoy has not been that impressive this season. Sure, the completion percentage is outstanding at 72% on the season, but the Texas senior quarterback has also thrown 9 picks this season with his 17 touchdowns. McCoy has actually thrown at least 1 pick in every game outside of the Longhorns blowout victory over Oklahoma State. In Texas two closest games this season against Oklahoma and Texas Tech, McCoy has thrown for just under 200 yards per game with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Considering how bad the Big 12 is down this season after all the expectations, those numbers are much less impressive. However, the Longhorns chance at a National Championship still may land him another Heisman Trophy Finalist recognition.

#4. QB Case Keenum (Houston Cougars)
Case Keenum Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +700

Most people will not give Case Keenum much respect since he resides out of the defenseless Conference USA. However, Keenum’s numbers can not be ignored and there is not many quarterbacks out there who have ever had the chance to post back to back 5,000 yard campaigns. Even more impressive is that Keenum leads the nation with 3,815 passing yards and that is nearly a 1,000 yards more than the next closest contender Tyler Sheehan. On the season, Keenum has thrown for 3,815 yards while completing 71% for 25 touchdowns and only 5 picks. In fact, the Cougars star has thrown for more than 500 passing yards in two straight contests and leads the nation’s top ranked scoring offense at 42 points per game. If only the Cougars were BCS type contenders, Keenum would be getting much more respect.

#3. QB Tim Tebow (Florida Gators)
Tim Tebow Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +300

Another one of the leading preseason candidates to win the Heisman Trophy is the Gators famed QB Tim Tebow who won the Heisman Trophy in his sophomore season. However, Tebow has not had the huge numbers the Gators offense may have expected as well. In fact, the Gators offense is not near as explosive all together this season. Tebow has just 11 passing touchdowns on the season with 4 interceptions for 1,531 yards. Tebow has not thrown for the type of yards a Heisman Trophy candidate would normally post. However, his legs have kept him in the race. Tebow has posted 9 additional touchdowns on the ground for just less than 600 yards. The Gators quarterback just recently broke all-time great Herschel Walker’s SEC touchdown record and that accomplishment in itself should rank right up there with his Heisman Trophy. The Gators appear to be the team to beat as they attempt to defend their National Championship and 3rd in the last 4 years. While Tebow is completely everything to the team, he may not have the numbers to grab his 2nd trophy. However, there is still a few opportunities that could change those perceptions.

#2. QB Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Jimmy Clausen Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +400

Perhaps this year we finally learned why Jimmy Clausen was at one time considered the most sought after recruit in college football history. Clausen has finally delivered in big ways for the Fighting Irish offense throwing for 2,770 yards this season. Clausen actually has an outside chance to reach the 4,000 yard plateau if he can string together a couple of 400 yard performances as he has already done this season. Clausen has completed 68% passing with 20 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. The big thing that impresses many about Clausen is his ability to play big in the big games. If you take the Fighting Irish’s two biggest games of the season which both resulted in close disappointing losses to Michigan and USC, Clausen threw for just less than 300 yards per game with 5 touchdowns and 0 picks. The Fighting Irish junior quarterback even put up a career high 452 yards in their most recent loss last week to Army simply proving yet again a player who is Heisman worthy, but just not on the team that will help him win the hardware.

#1. RB Mark Ingram (Alabama Crimson Tide)
Mark Ingram Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +100

Ask anyone in Tuscaloosa, Alabama who their pick for the Heisman Trophy is and they will tell you running back Mark Ingram. Even outside the state of Alabama, Ingram may be the most widely accepted front runner for the Heisman. He has completely dominated on the ground for the Crimson Tide this year and is a huge reason Alabama has a chance at their 2nd straight perfect regular season. Ingram has really emerged in the latter part of the season racking up 801 yards in the last 5 games and all of those yards have been against SEC defenses. Having a player put up those kind of numbers against not only good, but some very good defenses is more than impressive. Ingram may only have 8 scores on the year, but he is carrying a stout 6.6 yards per carry ratio and has produced the most in the biggest games. In some of the Crimson Tide’s most important games featuring teams like: Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Tennessee and LSU (all defenses ranking in top 25) Ingram has averaged 160 yards per game which is simply ridiculous. There is no player in college football more worthy of this year’s Heisman Trophy than sophomore running back out of Alabama in Mark Ingram. Not only should he be the Heisman Trophy Winner, but he may be the force that brings the National Championship back to Tuscaloosa.

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We have had the luxury of watching college football’s biggest stars for 2 straight weeks now and we can get a slight grasp of what to expect during the 2009 season. The big 3 quarterbacks of Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Colt McCoy were overwhelming favorites entering the season to win the Heisman Trophy after all three players where finalist in last year’s race. While the odds are still favorable for one of those quarterbacks to take home the hardware, the is an emerging ground threat making his way up the Heisman ladder out of the Pac-10. Last year’s Heisman winner Sam Bradford has already suffered a shoulder injury which has put a huge damper in his chances to repeat. Check out our weekly Heisman Trophy watch as we continue to keep an eye on the best players in college football.

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
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• Colt McCoy 5/4
• Mark Ingram  2/7
• Ndamukong Suh 5/1
• Tim Tebow  15/1
• Toby Gerhart  3/1

Current Heisman Trophy Odds From JustBet Sportsbook (as of 12/6/2009):
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• Odds Currently Off The Board – Will Update When Available

#1. Quarterback, Tim Tebow (Florida Gators)
Tim Tebow Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 5/2

Tim Tebow totaled 5 touchdowns in the Gators 50 point blowout over Troy last weekend. Tebow threw 4 touchdowns through the air while posting 237 yards. It is the 2nd straight week that the Gators have blown the game wide open in the first half. Tebow has actually had limited playing time with their first two games being out of reach so early in the contest. Still, the Gators look like a team that is going to be extremely difficult to stop this year. Tebow not only gets things done through the passing game, but his ability to make plays with his legs adds as a stat builder. On the year, Tebow has completed 25 of 39 passing for 425 yards totaling 5 touchdowns passing. The Gators former Heisman winner has also pounded two more touchdowns on the ground. Considering how great Florida has looked early on, it appears Tebow could have one hand on his 2nd Heisman Trophy.

#2. Running Back, Jahvid Best (California Golden Bears)
Jahvid Best Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 5/1 (opened at 7/4)

If there is going to be any player to steal the spotlight from the quarterbacks this year it will be Golden Bears running back Jahvid Best. Best like Tebow has yet to play an entire 60 minutes due to the fact California has won by a combined 91 points in their first two contests. However, Best has been extremely affective every time he has touched the ball. Best had 17 carries for 144 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s victory. Also, the star back caught two passes for 19 yards and an additional touchdown. On the season, Best has 281 yards and a ridiculous 10.4 yards per carry average. Best is without much debate the best running back in college football. However, it will still be a difficult task to take the Heisman away from the prominent quarterbacks in this year’s race. Still, the California offense is appearing to be a big force out west. If California continues their pace, Best has all the makings to bring home the hardware.

#3. Quarterback, Colt McCoy (Texas Longhorns)
Colt McCoy Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 25/1 (opened at 9/2)

Colt McCoy kept things rolling for the Longhorns this weekend putting together his 2nd straight 300 plus yard passing performance. McCoy was 21 for 29 and 317 yards in the Longhorns 41-10 victory over Wyoming. McCoy also has put together 5 touchdowns through the air this year with one addition touchdown on the ground. In the midst of two straight solid performances, McCoy has thrown 2 interceptions to dampen the picture. However, McCoy looks to be well on his way to another big year especially if the offense is to continue to develop throughout the year. The offense got off to a slow start in their battle with Wyoming, but was able to pull through in the 2nd half. The Longhorns will meet rival Texas Tech in a showdown next week and eyes will be on McCoy as they try to extract revenge from last year’s upset.

#4. Quarterback, Max Hall (B.Y.U. Cougars)
Max Hall Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 50/1 (opened at 15/1)

If there is anything we learned from week 1, it was there was an equally talented quarterback lined up on the opposing side of the field from Sam Bradford. Max Hall led the Cougars to the biggest upset of the year so far over Oklahoma 14-13 in the first game of the season. Hall continued to impress this weekend completing 75% passing equaling 309 yards and two touchdowns. If not for a few interceptions, Hall may be getting much more Heisman attention and the fact the Mountain West is not a BCS Conference. However if the Cougars continue to roll with their favorable schedule, Hall will continue to linger around the top of the Heisman talk. Hall threw for just less than 4,000 yards in 2008 so he can put up the numbers to be a legitimate threat. BYU will take on Florida State at home this weekend and continue to make their charge towards a BCS Bowl Game.

#5. Quarterback, Sam Bradford (Oklahoma Sooners)
Sam Bradford Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: OTB

I know Sam Bradford may be out of everyone’s Heisman ballot since the shoulder injury that has the Sooners quarterback sidelined for a least another game. However, Bradford can still put up some big numbers despite missing the time. Oklahoma lost to a solid BYU team before bouncing back to blowout Idaho State 64-0. The Sooners still have a dangerous offense and they will still have plenty of time to make noise in the Big 12. If Bradford returns and can lead the Sooners to another Big 12 title, the possibility is still there depending on how the competition performs. Hopefully for Oklahoma, the shoulder will heal fast and Bradford can get the offense firing on all cylinders. Oklahoma plays a lot of tough competition this year meaning if Bradford shows out he will return to the national spotlight with ease.

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
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• Colt McCoy 5/4
• Mark Ingram  2/7
• Ndamukong Suh 5/1
• Tim Tebow  15/1
• Toby Gerhart  3/1

Current Heisman Trophy Odds From JustBet Sportsbook (as of 12/6/2009):
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• Odds Currently Off The Board – Will Update When Available

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The College Football Season is nearing just one week away from kickoff before our favorite teams and players take the field. The element of surprise has always been a special aspect to the college game that is unparallel to other sports. Every year you have breakout teams like the Utah Utes from 2008. Predicting the breakout teams may be a difficult task especially with so many juggernaut squads like the Florida Gators, Oklahoma Sooners, and Texas Longhorns who are on top of the polls heading into the 2009 ncaa football season. The men leading those powerful teams behind center will be none other than all 3 Heisman Finalist from last season including Oklahoma Sooners QB Sam Bradford who won the Heisman Trophy just one year ago. It will be interesting to see if there are any players who will step into the spotlight and challenge for the 2009 Heisman Trophy. There were some young talents who emerged into household names last year, but the big question will be if any of these less known names can be able to overtake all three finalists from last season? We break down the 2009 Heisman Trophy candidates and give some insight on what to expect from these big names for the upcoming season.

Top 10 Heisman Favorites and Their Respetive Odds (@ The Start of the Season) To Win The Heisman Throphy in 2009:

1. QB Tim Tebow +200 – Florida Gators

The Tim Tebow promise after the Gators loss to the Ole Miss last year was one of the captivating moments of the year in college football. The Gators lived up to that promise playing harder than any football team in America crushing opponents in the SEC like no team in history. Tim Tebow already won the Heisman Trophy in his sophomore campaign, but could he add another to the trophy case along side the two National Championship Trophies? Tebow’s ability to pound short yards on the ground in goal line situations make him an even better threat to put up Heisman numbers considering the touchdowns will come in abundance. However, Tebow arm does not get the credit it rightfully deserves. Tebow has completed 65% of his passes throughout his career in Gainesville and also sported the 4th best quarterback rating (172.37) in the NCAA in 2008. Florida will not only be the big favorites in the country this season, but they are catching the SEC East division in a year where they are really down in terms of talent compared to years past. Losing playmaker Percy Harvin may hurt the homerun threat, but there are plenty of talented wide outs ready to step to the plate. If the Gators offense can start from where they left in 2008, then Tebow could put up some freakishly strong numbers against the best defenses in America.

2. QB Sam Bradford +250 – Oklahoma Sooners

Sam Bradford led the Oklahoma Sooners to one of the strongest offensive showings by a team in recent memory last year. Bradford and the rest of the offense set an NCAA record by recording 5 straight games of 60 or more points. Those ridiculous numbers led to Bradford compiling 4,720 yards and even more impressively 50 touchdowns on the season. While many will try to downplay the Sooners offense in reference to the weak defenses of the Big 12, it still amazing anytime you put those types of numbers playing in one of biggest conferences in America. Bradford also led the nation with a 180.84 quarterback rating and capped off the huge year by winning the Heisman Trophy. Can Bradford become the 1st player since Archie Griffin (Ohio State 1974&1975) to win the Heisman Trophy back to back? The Sooners lost primary target Juaquin Iglesias, but they get the likely the best tight end in the country back in Jermaine Gresham. However, the wide outs will rely on unproven talent to step up to aid Bradford in the air attack. Big numbers should not be a problem for Bradford in 2009, but topping last year’s stats could be difficult.

3. QB Colt McCoy +275 – Texas Longhorns

Colt McCoy is the first player on our list not to be a previous Heisman Trophy Winner. However, McCoy’s numbers from 2008 were very deserving of that honor. McCoy led the Longhorns to a brilliant season and many feel if not for the “flawless” BCS standings the Longhorns would have been playing for the National Title. On the season, McCoy led the Texas offense racking up 3,859 yards through the air with 34 touchdowns. McCoy also rushed for another 541 yards which led the Texas rushing attack adding another 11 touchdowns on the season. The senior quarterback could be a good pick this year considering the Longhorns are slight favorites to come out on top in the Big 12 this season. However, McCoy lost some talented receivers a lot like their nemesis in Oklahoma. Texas did catch a big break when WR Jordan Shipley was granted another year of eligibility and he will definitely be the primary target for their dangerous offense. Having Shipley return to the offense, gives promising hope to the Longhorns air attack behind McCoy and should allow the Texas quarterback to put up some big numbers once again.

4. QB Terrelle Pryor +800 – Ohio State Buckeyes

Terrelle Pryor if you can recall was the enormous recruit sought after by so many of the nations top schools that actually needed more time after National Signing Day to decide his college destination. Well, usually those players fail to impress after so much hype. However, Pryor really could be among the very best in the nation just in his sophomore season. Last year as a freshman, Pryor could pick a part defenses at will with his feet. Pryor actually at times seemed to favor tucking the ball and running instead of throwing to pick up yard. The freshman carried the ball 139 times picking up 4.5 yards a carry to total 631 yards on the season behind center. Pryor threw for just 1,311 yards and 12 touchdowns despite using his legs more times than not. However, if the star studded sophomore can make his arm a bigger weapon this season it could be deadly for the Buckeyes offense. Defenses already had trouble stopping Pryor from escaping out of the backfield. If he can add a considerable threat with his arm, then the Ohio State quarterback could be unstoppable.

5. RB Jahvid Best +1000 – California Golden Bears

Jahvid Best burst onto the college football scene last season by becoming a Saturday night special on the highlight film. As the first non-quarterback on board, Best will have to really out do himself to overcome the big name quarterbacks. However, he is just the player to do so. Best rushed for 1,580 and 15 touchdowns on the ground for the Golden Bears in 2008 and is likely in for another big season. Best also shattered a single game school record last year rumbling his way for 311 yards in the season finale against Washington. The junior tailback could be in for more big accomplishments as quite possibly the best running back in the nation. The unknown star heading into 2008 took the Pac-10 by surprise averaging a lucrative 8.1 yards per carry on the ground ranking 2nd best in the country. This year the Golden Bears should be on the verge of contending in the Pac-10, if that happens and Best puts up more strong numbers it would really help make the case for Heisman consideration.

6. RB Evan Royster +1200 – Penn State Nittany Lions

Evan Royster will be another big name coming out of the Big Ten in pre-season Heisman consideration. Royster became a big threat for the Nittany Lions ground game last year racking up over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Royster was part of a strong rushing game and resulted in 6.5 yards per carry. Rest assured the Nittany Lions main running back will get plenty of chances to bust open some big plays this year and perhaps the opportunity to get more touches than 2008. However, Royster would have to increase his numbers by a wide margin to be considered a legitimate contender in the Heisman race. Sharing time with Stephfon Green in the backfield could hurt those chances, but many have Royster on their radar for a breakout season. Royster got off to a great start in 2008, but faded down the stretch. If the junior tailback can keep it together for the entire season, then you can definitely expect his overall numbers to see a big increase.

7. QB Jevan Snead +1500 – Mississippi Rebels

We had Jevan Snead in our off-season Heisman watch and it looked like we were not the only ones. Snead has received a lot of publicity for the way he threw the ball and took over the Rebels offense at the end of 2008. Snead has possibility the most pure arm in college football. That’s right perhaps better than all our Heisman Finalist from last year. The question heading into this season is how will the Rebels offense perform? Snead struggled at times last year throwing 13 picks, but also had an SEC 2nd best 26 touchdowns to make up those mistakes. The Rebels will have the dangerous all-purpose talent of Dexter McCluster back to aid Snead with the passing game and that could spell trouble for some of the SEC defenses. The Rebels quarterback could be in store for a big year if the offense can come out firing on all cylinders. Don’t expect the interceptions to be a factor in this underdog pick. Heisman consideration or not, Snead may be the best arm at the next level than any of the quarterback on our board.

8. RB Jonathon Dwyer +1500 – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson implemented the pro running style option offense to the Yellow Jackets in his first season as coach. In the midst of the offense, the Yellow Jackets found a crowned jewel in young running back Jonathon Dwyer. Dwyer led the ACC in rushing with 1,395 yards, 12 touchdowns, and an impressive 7.0 yards per carry average. The more impressive aspect to Dwyer’s statistical success was the fact the defenses knew that the Yellow Jackets would be running the football. However, the talented youngster did not disappoint in his sophomore campaign and will be a guy to keep on your breakout list for 2009. Dwyer rushing yards increased as the season progressed hinting at all possibilities of another big season for the Yellow Jackets tailback. Also, Johnson’s new offense should be even better as many would expect in year 2 and Dwyer will be the main player leading the offensive ground game.

9. RB Kendall Hunter +2000 – Oklahoma State Cowboys

Kendall Hunter exploded out of the backfield for the Cowboys in 2008 racking up 1,555 yards and 16 touchdowns. Hunter will be in elite company with QB Zac Robinson and WR Dez Bryant on the same side of the field. The Oklahoma State offense will be explosive through the air as well on the ground. The question is will it be enough explosion the ground to get the Heisman attention? Well, Hunter definitely has that possibility as we have labeled him the best cutback player in America. Hunter has an uncanny ability to make great cuts through the holes of the defense maximizing large gains. Add the element of speed to the picture and you can see why Hunter is a favorite amongst fans. Hunter carried for 6.5 yards per carry last year while carrying a big work load with 241 touches. Expect Hunter to get another big dosage of carries this season and if the offense can live up to the hype then the electrifying tailback could really climb the polls in the Heisman race.

10. RB C.J Spiller +2000 – Clemson Tigers

So we have 9 previous players who have proved themselves on the field, but Spiller may not fit the same mold. Spiller is undoubtedly a thrilling tailback with quickness and top end speed that can out run anyone. The senior running back can really make big plays with his elite speed and bust open big plays on any given touch. However, with that being said Spiller has yet to have the breakout year that Tigers fans have been anticipating. Spiller shared time with running back James Davis over the past few seasons as fans proclaimed the duo as “thunder and lightning.” Although, “lightning” has failed to produce a single 1,000 yard campaign in his first 3 seasons at Clemson and time is definitely running on empty. In Spiller’s defense, he did not have one game where he received over 16 touches in 2008 and that does not give him the opportunity to post big numbers. However this season, Spiller will be the only threat in the backfield and maybe finally the Tigers will give him that opportunity. Still, Spiller would have to increase his numbers considerably to contend for a Heisman Trophy. Even more importantly, Clemson would have to avoid collapsing as they have done over the past few years when there has been similar around the team.

2009 Heisman Trophy Prediction & Picks:

It would definitely be an upset if any of the top 3 finalists from last season did not end up winning this year’s Heisman Trophy. However, Jahvid Best will have a legitimate shot. Best is the best underdog to take in the Heisman race, but a lot of that consideration will rely on the Golden Bears success. California will have every opportunity to finally knock off USC in the Pac-10 this year and will get the opportunity to single handedly knock off the Trojans at home on October 3rd. Consider Best as a dark horse with profitable odds. However, the big favorite still has to be Tim Tebow and for all the right reasons. Whether you are tired of hearing his name or not, Tebow still has the best chance to win the Heisman. The reason is because the Gators have such a promising outlook for the upcoming season. The team has nearly every starter returning from their National Championship crusade from last year and the opportunity to make another run at a National Championship. It would be a fitting end for the guy that has led the Gators offense over the last 4 years and already has two National Titles along with a Heisman Trophy already on his resume. Those factors simply make it hard to bet against him in the Heisman race. Harvin may be gone, but the offense will reload heavily. Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez should give the air attack plenty of firepower with Tebow delivering the bullets. Expect nothing less than another dynamic offense that will be among the best in the SEC yet again. If Tebow and the offense can avoid early season struggles as they did in 2008, expect another 40 plus total touchdowns for the 3rd season in a row which will result in another Heisman Trophy for college football’s biggest star.