Ranking Heisman Favorites a Month Before They Hand Out the Trophy

Love rises after Miami win

Notre Dame quarterback Jeremiyah Love has become FanDuel’s betting favorite. He led a College Football Playoff contender to a prime-time win over undefeated No. 1 Miami, completing a season-best 319 passing yards and throwing three touchdowns in the 31-24 victory.

Love has attempted 262 passes this season and thrown just one interception. Notre Dame has Boston College, SMU and Syracuse left on its schedule, giving him opportunities to build his case to become the program’s second Heisman-winning quarterback.

Smith faces new uncertainty

The Buckeyes are 0-2 in the two full games without Sayin. Luke Fahey has taken over as the replacement starter, leaving questions about whether he can continue to get Smith the ball and whether Ohio State can return to the playoff race.

Mensah and Dampier make cases

Miami quarterback Darian Mensah has thrown 28 touchdown passes, more than all but Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker among FBS players. Mensah has 2,694 passing yards, averages 299.3 yards per game and has completed 212 passes; he nearly rallied Miami from a 24-3 deficit with three touchdown passes despite Malachi Toney’s absence with an ankle injury.

Mensah completed 56 percent of his passes, a season low, and Toney is the team leader in yards, catches and touchdowns. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier strengthened his candidacy against BYU, accounting for four touchdowns—two rushing and two passing—and making a pass, run and catch of at least 25 yards each.

Sheppard’s scoring surge

Duke running back Nate Sheppard, formerly a teammate of Mensah, averages 132.1 rushing yards per game, the best mark among Power Four rushers. He also leads running backs with 17 touchdowns. Eight of Sheppard’s touchdowns came in his past two games, blowout wins over Boston College and North Carolina State.