The Heisman Trophy finalists are down to four men, but who will come out on top?
Early favorite is Louisiana State University Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels, who bagged the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year this year.
He is in contention for the top college football individual award with fellow quarterbacks Michael Penix of the Washington Huskies, Bo Nix of Oregon Ducks, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Gridiron commanders are the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy in most seasons, but for this year, there are three finalists.
So who should it be? When the presenters call a name in the ceremony to be held in New York, it should be Jayden Daniels. Bookmakers think so, too.
The 22-year-old is being humble about the nomination.
"I mean, it means a lot for me, growing up and watching college football, being a football player," he said in an interview with Yahoo! Sports.
"I had goals and aspirations of one day hopefully winning the trophy. But just to see my goals coming to fruition, the stuff that I work for, it just means a lot."
That is part of his appeal. He could win it because of the way he carries himself in and out of the field.
Read more: Texas Football - 3 Reasons Why Longhorns Can Win College Football Playoffs
3 reasons Daniels should be declared Heisman Trophy 2023 winner:
1. College First Team Citation by analysts
The Heisman Trophy winner is selected based on a player's great ability, diligence, perseverance, and hard work.
Daniels has been there all season long for LSU.
He was recently named to the USA TODAY Sports All-America First Team. Other Heisman Trophy finalists who play QB were relegated to Second Team and Third Team.
The selection added to the growing legacy of the young player. Before that, he was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
2. Historic season should not go unrewarded
Joe Burrow put up one of the most historic seasons in college football and won the Heisman trophy for that.
The same thing should happen to Daniels. So far, he has a passing efficiency rating of 208.0, which also would be an FBS record. Coastal Carolina's Grayson McCall owns the current record - 207.6 set in 2021.
He leads college football this season in total offense with 412.2 yards per game. Nix only has 336.3 yards per game, while Penix recorded 323.1.
He has more than Alabama (401.2)and Michigan (380.5) that made it to the College Football Playoffs.
3. LSU had a tougher schedule
Daniels and his squad have a 9-3 record, which some electors will probably use as a reason not to vote for him.
However, they must also consider that Daniels still managed to excel in a tougher division than anybody's and a schedule that is a little too hectic than normal.
Compared to the teams carried by other Heisman Trophy finalists, ESPN discovered that LSU's strength of schedule is seventh nationally. Washington's schedule is 12th, and Oregon's is 49th.
This should tell quite a story on how Daniels rises from adversity, so he should be able to lift the Heisman trophy.
Related article: 3 Reasons Washington Football Star Michael Penix Jr Can Win Heisman Trophy
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