While the 2022 college football season has commenced (the season starts with a “Week 0,” where a few teams play to start out), only two top 25 teams have played so far in Week 1 (Pittsburgh and Wake Forest both played games Thursday). Since games will be starting within the next few hours, I decided to list my preseason Heisman Trophy candidate rankings before they begin. Without further ado, here’s my list.

Honorable Mention: Will Anderson Jr., LB (Alabama Crimson Tide)

One of the players in the conversation for being the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft appears here. Last season, Anderson Jr. amassed 101 tackles (31 for loss) and 17.5 sacks, and he helped lead Alabama to a 13-2 record. The Crimson Tide made it to the national championship, but they were defeated by the Georgia Bulldogs.

Due to many experts and scouts calling Anderson Jr. “the best player” for the 2022 season, he deserves consideration here. Unfortunately, the Heisman Trophy has almost always been an offensive player award, as cornerback Charles Woodson is the only primary defender to have won the award. Even in Woodson’s case, he had to return punts and play wide receiver at points to win it. I expect Anderson Jr. to make his way to New York (where the Heisman Trophy presentation takes place) when the season ends, but he would probably have to come close to—or break—linebacker Terrell Suggs’ record for sacks in a season (24) to get the award. Therefore, he is in my “honorable mention” section.

Dark Horse: Bijan Robinson, RB (Texas Longhorns)

A running back from the University of Texas getting Heisman consideration? While it’s been a minute since Heisman winners Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams played at Texas, I could see Robinson becoming the first Heisman finalist (and possible winner) for the Longhorns since running back D’Onta Foreman in 2016 (eighth place). Last season, Robinson tallied 1,422 total yards from scrimmage (rushing and receiving yards) and 15 total touchdowns over 10 games.

Robinson’s support system should help as well. His head coach, Steve Sarkisian, has coached on staffs that produced Heisman winners Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, and DeVonta Smith. Sarkisian’s QB-friendly offense should help new starter Quinn Ewers feel comfortable quickly, and it should set Robinson up to be the offensive anchor. Robinson could improve on last year’s numbers based on Sarkisian’s offense and their reliance on him. If he can do that, and Texas can have a regular season with 10+ wins (a win against Alabama on September 10 would help) and compete for the Big 12 championship (likely against the ninth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners), Robinson would likely make the trip to New York and have a good chance to win the Heisman.

3. Caleb Williams, QB (USC Trojans)

Like Robinson, when your coach has produced multiple Heisman Trophy winners and finalists, you’re likely to make the list. USC head coach Lincoln Riley coached Heisman winners Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray and finalists Jalen Hurts and Dede Westbrook when he coached the Oklahoma Sooners. While they’re both at a new university, Williams and Riley can rely on their rapport from their Oklahoma days, as Williams played under Riley last season.

Williams produced 2,354 total yards and 27 total touchdowns to four interceptions last season. While he played 11 games last season, Williams split time with incumbent Oklahoma starter Spencer Rattler (who transferred to the South Carolina Gamecocks) early in the season, as he attempted 10 or less passes in his each of first three games, with one total pass attempt between two of those three games. With a full season and no competition for the starting job, in addition to a favorable schedule (the fifth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish and seventh-ranked Utah Utes are currently the only top 25 teams on USC’s schedule), Williams could put up video game numbers and give Lincoln Riley his third Heisman Trophy winner as a head coach.

2. Bryce Young, QB (Alabama Crimson Tide)

The 2021 Heisman Trophy Winner makes his appearance on this list. Last season, Young threw for 4,872 yards, 47 TD, and 7 INT. While he lost running back Brian Robinson Jr., wide receivers Jameson Williams, John Metchie III and Slade Bolden, and offensive tackle Evan Neal to the NFL Draft, I think Young will have another spectacular season.

The biggest thing holding me back from making Young my Heisman favorite is the rarity in which a player wins the award twice, let alone winning it back-to-back. As it currently stands, running back Archie Griffin is the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice, winning it in 1974 and 1975. Young could also lose some votes to Anderson Jr., as Alabama’s championship hopes are saddled around the performances of both players. If Young gets the invite to New York and wins, I won’t be surprised. However, due to the potential confluence of events surrounding him, I think someone else wins the award over him this year.

1. C.J. Stroud, QB (Ohio State Buckeyes)

Another finalist from the 2021 Heisman Trophy race completes my list. Like Anderson Jr. and Young, Stroud is competing to hear his name called first in the 2023 NFL Draft. Last season, Stroud threw for 4,435 yards, 44 TD, and 6 INT.

Ohio State brings back a nice offensive core this season, as Doak Walker award (given to the best RB in college football) candidate TreVeyon Henderson and Fred Biletnikoff award (given to the best WR in college football) candidate Jaxon Smith-Njigba headline the weapons at the skill positions that Stroud will have at his disposal. Pairing the offensive weapons with head coach Ryan Day, who coached Heisman finalists Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields, should help Stroud replicate—if not improve—his stats from last season. With numbers close to last season, and a nice schedule (there are currently four top 25 teams on Ohio State’s schedule, including Notre Dame and the eighth-ranked Michigan Wolverines), I think Ohio State would be in contention for the College Football Playoff and national championship, and I believe C.J. Stroud would be hoisting the Heisman Trophy on December 10.

What are your Heisman rankings going into the season? Was anyone snubbed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!