The Athletic‘s Heisman draft is back, with a new group of challengers taking on the task of predicting this year’s standout player. Following the departure of last year’s finalists to the NFL, the race for the Heisman looks wide open, much like the College Football Playoff. Will a star from a traditional powerhouse claim the award, or will an unexpected breakout player steal the spotlight?
The format of the annual preseason exercise remains the same: Writers participated in a randomized snake draft, selecting their choices for this year’s Heisman candidates across four rounds. The writer with the highest total points from their selections at the end of the season earns 12 months of bragging rights.
Scoring system:
- 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
Randomized order of the snake draft: 1. Justin Williams; 2. David Ubben; 3. Seth Emerson; 4. Stewart Mandel; 5. Sam Khan Jr.; 6. Scott Dochterman; 7. Chris Vannini; 8. Manny Navarro; 9. Bruce Feldman.
Round 1, Pick 1: QB Carson Beck, Georgia
Beck is a safe choice as a returning starting quarterback and leading passer for Georgia. He holds various records and is expected to have a standout season. With a strong supporting cast, Beck is likely to be a Heisman finalist. – Williams