Week 9 Heisman Rankings: Toney Stands Alone On Top

We are officially halfway through the college football season. Week 8 brought some upsets, including UCF over BYU and Cincinnati defeating Texas Tech. 

With the upsets and changes in rankings, let’s look at the new Heisman ladder as we now cut the list to the top five as the list starts to shrink. 

#5 Drew Mestemaker- Quarterback: Oklahoma State

After a close first half against Colorado, Drew Mestemaker separated  the Cowboys’ lead over the Buffalos and led them to a 57-24 victory. He threw for 386 yards and four touchdowns. He’s now led Oklahoma State to a 5-2 start and has now put them in the AP Top-25. 

With the Big 12 wide open, the performances from Mestemaker can get them back in the conference championship. Mestemaker started off as a long shot for the Heisman, but now he has a legit chance to compete for the trophy.  

#4 Jesse Legree- Wide Receiver: Oregon State

Jesse Legree and Oregon State had the week off. He still stands in the top five for the Heisman with his incredible freshman season. He announced he’s returning to Corvallis for his sophomore season and has a great schedule to take over this Heisman race in the next couple of weeks. 

#3 Darian Mensah- Quarterback: Miami

Darian Mensah took care of business against Pittsburgh in a lopsided 52-23 victory. Mensah threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns in Miami’s first game since being ranked #1 in the AP poll. 

He’s put together a great junior season with the Hurricanes, improving his Heisman and draft stock each week. He’s kept himself in the top three for Heisman each week and has really stood out this season with star receiver Malachi Toney. 

#2 Jeremiah Smith- Wide Receiver: Ohio State

With Ohio State on the bye along with the loss of Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith moved down a spot in the Heisman rankings. Although he’s put together a fantastic season, the loss of Sayin is raising a ton of questions, and defenses may try to eliminate Smith every play. With a new quarterback for the Buckeyes, we’ll see how well Smith plays and if he moves back up to #1. 

#1 Malachi Toney- Wide Receiver: Miami

Malachi Toney had a career day against Pittsburgh, racking up 16 catches for 194 yards and three touchdowns. The Hurricanes star receiver has competed with Smith all year long to try and move past him. Now, Toney moves to the #1 spot.

It’s shaping up to be Toney’s award with the loss of Sayin for Ohio State. He’ll still need to have consistent performances over 100 yards, but it’s very possible for the Miami star receiver.