Legacies get made and broken every rivalry weekend. This year was no different. Here is who rose to the moment, who stumbled, and how it reshaped my Heisman four.
Who Shined?
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
The Lane Kiffin drama could have easily derailed Ole Miss, but Chambliss and the Rebels blocked out the noise and rolled in the Egg Bowl. Mississippi State had no answers, giving up 359 yards and four touchdowns to Chambliss. Ole Miss looks set for a home playoff game, and they can make a run with him leading the way.
Malachi Toney, WR, Miami
The freshman has been terrific this season, but this might have been his best game yet. Thirteen catches, 126 yards, a touchdown, 30 more rushing yards, and a passing touchdown for good measure. Miami’s offense needed a spark and Toney provided it in every possible way.
Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
The game didn’t mean much in the standings, but Baugh ran like it was a championship. 38 carries for 266 yards and two touchdowns is absurd volume and production. If Florida had leaned into this identity all year, their season might look different.
Who Struggled?
Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia
Stockton had a chance to boost his Heisman case against a shaky Georgia Tech defense, but it never clicked. He went 11 for 21 for just 70 yards and threw a rough interception. Georgia is rolling into the playoffs, but they need more from him if they want to make noise.
TJ Lateef, QB, Nebraska
Emmett Johnson ran for over 200 yards, but Nebraska still lost 40-16 because the passing game completely disappeared. Lateef went 9 of 24 for 69 yards and never found a rhythm. If Dylan Raiola really does hit the portal, Lateef might be the guy next year, but performances like this won’t cut it.
Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan
Michigan didn’t need a superstar performance to have a chance, but Underwood was far off the mark. Eight of eighteen for 63 yards and a late interception, plus only one rushing yard from one of the better dual threat QBs in the country. I still love his future as a Wolverines signal caller, but this is one he will want to forget.
My Heisman Four As Of Today
A few campaigns came into focus on Saturday. Here is how I have it right now.
1. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
I’ve been waiting for him to shine in a big spot and he finally did. After an early interception, Sayin went 19 of 23 for 233 yards and three touchdowns. He broke through the Michigan mental wall and played like the best quarterback in the country. He moves to the top of my list.
2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Mendoza closed the regular season by blowing out Purdue and clinching a spot in the Big Ten Championship. At the moment, it feels like a two man race, and the winner next weekend could end up with the trophy. Must-watch football.
3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
With a down year for quarterbacks, the door is open for the best overall player. You could argue that Love has been that guy. He is up for the Doak Walker Award and has put up huge numbers even while splitting the workload with Jadarian Price. The schedule strength keeps him behind Sayin and Mendoza for now.
4. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
He has been one of the most impactful players in the country and deserves legitimate Heisman attention. Defensive players almost never get real consideration, but what he has done this season is right there with past defensive college greats like Manti Te’o.
Still In The Mix
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Dante Moore, Oregon
Ty Simpson, Alabama
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
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