Way-too-early look at Heisman favorites in 2017

Barkley topped a good freshman campaign with an outstanding sophomore season, rushing for 1,302 yards and 16 touchdowns. Penn State's emergence this season puts him near the top of the candidate list.

Barrett still hasn't put up huge passing numbers, but he did have 24/5 TD/INT in his junior year, adding 847 rushing yards and nine scores. He will probably need to ramp up his passing numbers more to be a viable Hesiman candidate.

Browning had a terrific sophomore season, throwing for 3,280 yards and 42/7 TD/INT while leading the Huskies to the College Football Playoff. He's a major threat in next year's Heisman race.

Buechele had a strong freshman season with 2,958 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. The sky is the limit after the Longhorns hired Tom Herman as head coach.

Darnold emerged late in his freshman season to make USC one of the most feared teams in the country. He threw for 2,633 yards and 26/8 TD/INT over 12 games.

Evans was great in his first year as a starter, throwing for 3,309 yards and 27 touchdowns. He added 759 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.

Falk's numbers are propped up by coach Mike Leach's system but are no less impressive. He completed 71 percent of his passes in his junior season, throwing for 4,204 yards and 37 touchdowns. If the Cougars take another step forward, Falk should be a top Heisman candidate.

One of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, Flowers threw for 2,546 yards and 22 touchdowns in his junior season. He added 1,425 rushing yards and 15 scores on the ground.

Francois held his own in his freshman season for the Seminoles, though he certainly could have used better protection from his offensive line. Over 12 games, he threw for 3,128 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has the arm talent to take a giant leap next season.

Overshadowed by teammate Jake Browning, Gaskin also had a great sophomore season with 1,339 rushing yards and 10 scores. With much of the best running back talent in the country entering the NFL Draft, Gaskin could be the country's top running back next season.

While Leonard Fournette got most of the attention in LSU's backfield, Guice was incredible this season. As a sophomore, he averaged 8.0 yards per carry and had 1,249 yards and 14 scores. A bigger workload next season could get him closer to the Heisman. 

Hurts had a spectacular freshman season for the top team in the country, throwing for 2,563 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also had 841 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. The loss of offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin doesn't help, but Hurts should remain very productive.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner certainly goes into next season as the front-runner. He had a total of 51 touchdowns, 3,390 yards passing and 1,538 yards rushing in his sophomore season. With another easy schedule in 2017, his prospects for a repeat are favorable.

The Buffaloes took a giant leap forward this season, along with Lindsay. He had 1,189 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, and is hoping for another step forward in his senior season.

Mizzou had an awful season, but Lock helped lead a very good Tigers offense with 3,399 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. He's at least on the radar heading into his junior season.

Mahomes could opt for the NFL but will more likely return to Tech for his senior season. He had incredible numbers in 2016, with 5,052 yards passing and 41 touchdowns, as well as 12 touchdowns on the ground. The Red Raiders' defense needs to make vast improvements for the team to help Mahomes' cause.

A Heisman candidate in consecutive seasons, Mayfield completed 71.2 percent of his passes and threw for 3,669 yards and 38 touchdowns in his junior season. He's on the short list going into next season.

McNichols had 1,663 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in his junior season, adding 450 receiving yards and four scores. Boise State's lack of prominence on the national stage hurts his candidacy.

McSorley was great in his first year as Penn State's starting quarterback, with 3,360 yards passing and 25 touchdowns. He also had six rushing touchdowns.

The talented Mixon averaged 7.0 yards per carry in his sophomore season, rushing for 1,183 yards and eight scores. He's expected to have a bigger workload next season.

Possibly the most talented wide receiver in the country, Ridley's stats fell in his sophomore season with the change at quarterback. Ridley could still emerge next season if the Bama passing game ramps up.

Rosen played only six games in his sophomore season due to injury in what was supposed to be a great season for the Bruins. He still put up big numbers in those games and should go back to the Heisman race next year.

Rudolph had solid growth in his junior season, throwing for 3,777 yards and 25/4 TD/INT for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State wasn't far from College Football Playoff contention in 2016.

Rypien had a solid sophomore season, throwing for 3,341 yards and 23 scores. The pass attempts were scaled back this season, but he showed improvement with 9.7 yards per attempt.

A huge playmaker as a runner and receiver, Samuel had 1,526 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns in his junior season. If he returns for his senior season, Samuel could be in the Heisman race.