Non-Quarterbacks who can Compete for the 2022 Heisman Trophy

The Heisman Trophy has been dominated by quarterbacks overall, but wide receiver DeVonta Smith was able to win the award in 2020. A non-quarterback can win the award even if they are long shots. Here are the non-quarterbacks who can compete for the 2022 Heisman Trophy.

Note: Odds found here.

1. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas Longhorns (16/1)

Robinson is the top draft-eligible running back in college football as a junior. He rushed for 703 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman. His role increased as a sophomore, as he totaled 1,127 rushing yards, 295 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns. Texas went just 5-7 in 2021, but it wasn’t due to a lack of good running back play.

Texas’s offense will have several playmakers that Robinson will have to compete with. Quinn Ewers is a superstar recruit coming in as a transfer quarterback, while Xavier Worthy is a very good college receiver. The Longhorns have plenty of games where Robinson can get a “Heisman moment”. They play Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Baylor, which should put them on the national stage. Robinson can be the most electrifying player in college football and has the potential to be the first running back to win the award since Derrick Henry in 2016.

2. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes (20/1)

Henderson is entering his sophomore season as a Buckeye after a very impressive 2021 campaign. He rushed for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman. To add to his rushing production, Henderson caught 27 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns. His play helped the Buckeyes win the Rose Bowl following the 2021 season.

After his solid freshman campaign, Henderson is poised to take on more of the workload as a sophomore. He will have to share the spotlight with his quarterback, who is the favorite to win the award, and with many talented receivers on his offense. Henderson will have his chance to shine though, as the Buckeyes play Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin this season. With a good season in 2022, he could win the Heisman or set himself up well for a Heisman campaign in 2023.

3. Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama Crimson Tide (30/1)

Anderson arguably should’ve won the Heisman in 2021. The award eventually went to his teammate Bryce Young. In 2021, Anderson registered 101 total tackles, 31 tackles for loss and 17 sacks. He helped Alabama make the National Championship Game and it looks like they may be on a path back towards that point.

Alabama will always have big games and Anderson will have ample time to prove why he should win the Heisman. The Crimson Tide play Texas, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Auburn to end the year in marquee matchups. After being robbed last season, he may have some more motivation for the 2022 season. If the award truly went to the best player in college football, Anderson would have much more of a chance to take home the award, but it mostly goes to quarterbacks these days.

4. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin Badgers (30/1)

The Badgers always seem to find a star running back and it is now Allen’s time to shine. He rushed for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns during the 2021 season. The sophomore is expected to see more of the workload in 2022 after splitting time early last season with Chez Melusi.

Wisconsin will have games where they need Allen to be at his best. Those games include Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa. If Allen can shine in those games and put up better stats than last season, he’ll have a shot at the Heisman. Wisconsin will also likely need to win around 10 or so games for Wisconsin to get enough credit for Allen to be invited to the Heisman ceremony.

5. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama Crimson Tide (30/1)

Gibbs started his career at Georgia Tech before looking for greener pastures at Alabama. He may be the best running back Alabama has had since Derrick Henry. For Georgia Tech, he had  1,206 rushing yards, 768 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in two seasons. Now, he is ready to explode at Alabama.

Gibbs, like Anderson, will have a chance to shine at Alabama. He will need to have good games when Alabama is playing quality opponents, but he’ll also need to have a great season to take over some of the votes from his quarterback, Young. Gibbs has a great opportunity, but it will be hard to outshine his opponents.

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