With former LSU star Jayden Daniels not returning to defend his Heisman Trophy, the competition for college football’s top individual honor is wide open for several SEC quarterbacks.

Quarterbacks from the SEC have won the Heisman three times in the last five years; including former Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith, they have secured four of the past five awards overall. This preseason, leading candidates for the Heisman include Texas junior Quinn Ewers, Georgia senior Carson Beck, and Alabama junior Jalen Milroe.

Also in the Heisman mix are several quarterback transfers from the Big Ten and ACC, one running back from the Big 12, and two intriguing contenders: Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter from Colorado.

QB Quinn Ewers, Texas

In 2023, Ewers shone by throwing 22 touchdowns and achieving a completion rate of 69%, guiding Texas to the Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. His development as a second-year starter was significant, and the arrival of highly touted recruit Arch Manning might have further fueled his progress. With the Longhorns ready to make a playoff push as new SEC members, Ewers is establishing an impressive Heisman campaign.

QB Carson Beck, Georgia

Beck emerged as a standout last season, stepping in without missing a beat for Stetson Bennett. He surpassed Bennett’s 2022 statistics in completion percentage (72.4% vs. 68.3%), yards per attempt (9.5 vs. 9.1), efficiency rating (167.9 vs. 161.2), and touchdown-to-interception ratio. Now regarded as a top quarterback in the FBS and with Georgia favored to win the national title, Beck is firmly in the Heisman conversation.

QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

After starting at Central Florida and spending a year at Oklahoma, Gabriel will conclude his college journey as Bo Nix’s successor at Oregon. With Nix’s transformation from a slight disappointment at Auburn to a standout at Oregon, Gabriel’s prospects in this system look promising. His experience is unquestionable, but he and Oregon must adapt quickly as they transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten.

QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

It is evident that Kalen DeBoer excels at developing elite quarterbacks. Milroe has made a name for himself as a top-tier Power Five starter, bouncing back from a shaky start to 2023 with over 3,300 total offensive yards and 35 touchdowns. Following DeBoer’s success with Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, he now has the chance to craft an offense around one of the country’s most athletic and powerful quarterbacks.

RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State

Gordon stands out as the sole non-quarterback in the Heisman mix, having led the Bowl Subdivision in rushing yards (1,732) and securing second place in touchdowns (21) last season. As Oklahoma State’s primary offensive weapon, he could surpass these figures if the team enhances their passing game. However, Gordon’s recent DUI arrest may complicate his Heisman prospects, although coach Mike Gundy stated that he will not be sidelined.

QB Will Howard, Ohio State

Howard faced challenges early in his career at Kansas State but developed into one of the Big 12’s top players, leading to his move to Ohio State. With a strong defense and a backfield featuring two of the best running backs in the nation, Howard and his newly restructured receiving corps will have time to gel ahead of crucial October matchups against Iowa and Oregon.

QB Cam Ward, Miami

After a year at Washington State, Ward contemplated joining the NFL but eventually withdrew from the draft. By opting for Miami, he steps into a leadership role on a team filled with potential yet needing to demonstrate it. Over the past two seasons, Ward has thrown 48 touchdowns to 16 interceptions, representing a significant enhancement as the Hurricanes aim for playoff contention.

QB Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee

Iamaleava has the least experience among the quarterbacks listed, having made only 45 attempts in his freshman season in 2023, completing 28 passes for 314 yards. Yet, he possesses the potential to make a significant impact and features in a strong offensive setup. Under Josh Heupel’s leadership since 2021, Tennessee quarterbacks have achieved 93 touchdowns against a mere 11 interceptions.

QB Shedeur Sanders and CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

Both Sanders and Hunter are recognized among the top talents in college football, boasting star power, proven performance records, and the visibility that comes from playing for one of the country’s most scrutinized programs. Past Heisman campaigns have thrived on less. However, there’s a caveat: despite improvements, Colorado’s ranking may still fall short.

Being part of the top FBS teams has become an essential requirement for those hoping to contend for the Heisman Trophy. It’s likely that Sanders and Hunter will need to accept that they may be among the first choices in next year’s NFL draft.