Home / Sports / Heisman Race Heats Up: Smith Leads, Bachmeier Surges
Heisman Race Heats Up: Smith Leads, Bachmeier Surges
19 Oct
Summary
- Jeremiah Smith holds Heisman lead despite Julian Sayin's injury.
- Bear Bachmeier makes a significant jump in rankings after key win.
- Injuries and upsets shake up the top contenders for the Heisman.
The Heisman Trophy race saw shifts entering Week 8, with Jeremiah Smith maintaining his lead after a significant win over Indiana, despite a brief lull in his individual production. However, an injury to Julian Sayin has introduced new vulnerabilities to Smith's campaign. Bear Bachmeier has dramatically climbed the rankings following an outstanding performance for BYU, contributing to all four of their touchdowns in a thrilling victory.
Several other contenders experienced setbacks. Gunner Stockton dropped after turnovers in a loss, while Keelon Russell and CJ Carr also saw their rankings decline due to team losses and individual struggles. Malachi Toney delivered a standout performance with 11 receptions and two touchdowns, while Jesse Legree continues to impress nationally with his receiving yards and touchdown totals, though his team's conference affiliation might limit his Heisman visibility.
Looking ahead, USC's Maiava faces a challenging schedule that could impact his Heisman prospects. Sam Leavitt also has a tough stretch of games against ranked opponents that will test his viability as a dark horse candidate. The injury to Julian Sayin is a major development, potentially opening the door for others if Smith falters.
