As we move into Week 7 of the college football season, the Heisman Trophy race remains as open and unpredictable as it’s been in years. With no runaway favorite and a mix of dual-threat quarterbacks, explosive running backs, and versatile playmakers, voters across the nation are bracing for a thrilling stretch run. The defending winner, Florida’s DJ Lagway, remains firmly in the mix, but he’s facing serious pressure from emerging stars like LSU’s Caden Durham and SMU’s Kevin Jennings, along with Ohio State’s do-it-all weapon Bo Jackson and Nebraska’s efficient gunslinger Dylan Raiola.
If there’s one thing that’s clear — this year’s Heisman isn’t going to be handed out easily.
1. Caden Durham, RB, LSU
Stats: 128 attempts, 1,242 rushing yards, 9 TDs | 21 receptions, 272 receiving yards
If anyone has planted a flag in the race through seven weeks, it’s LSU’s Caden Durham. The Tigers’ star running back has been nothing short of electric, averaging nearly 9.7 yards per carry while torching defenses on a weekly basis. He’s already surpassed 1,200 yards on the ground, an astonishing total given that we’re barely halfway through the season.
Durham’s running style blends blazing speed with deceptive toughness. At 5’10” and 200 pounds, he’s compact but slippery, capable of bouncing off tacklers or simply running by them. His 272 receiving yards also show how complete his game has become. LSU has leaned on him heavily, and so far, he’s responded like a workhorse built for the moment.
The Heisman has historically leaned toward quarterbacks, but if Durham can maintain this pace — especially if LSU keeps climbing the rankings — he could become the first running back since Derrick Henry to take home the trophy. It’s early, but Durham’s name is on every Heisman voter’s radar right now.
2. DJ Lagway, QB, Florida
Stats: 1,960 passing yards, 19 TDs, 2 INTs | 67 rushes, 562 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs
The defending Heisman winner is back for more — and making a strong case to repeat. DJ Lagway’s junior campaign has been just as dynamic as his first, perhaps even more balanced. He’s been a model of consistency, showing improved accuracy and decision-making through the air while still flashing his trademark dual-threat explosiveness.
Lagway’s 19 touchdown passes to just 2 interceptions show how far his poise has come. He’s reading defenses better, extending plays without forcing throws, and when he tucks the ball, he’s every bit the nightmare he was a season ago. His 562 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground prove that Florida’s offense still revolves around his playmaking ability.
The Gators’ offensive line has given him time to work, and Lagway has rewarded them by spreading the ball to multiple receivers — a departure from last year’s heavy reliance on star targets. More importantly, Florida’s success (currently 5-1 and ranked 6th nationally) is tied directly to Lagway’s leadership.
The challenge for Lagway will be sustaining his production as the schedule stiffens. But make no mistake — if he keeps this pace and the Gators remain in playoff contention, voters will have a hard time denying him a shot at becoming one of the few back-to-back Heisman winners in college football history.
3. Bo Jackson, RB, Ohio State
Stats: 94 rushes, 596 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs | 41 receptions, 520 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
Bo Jackson is college football’s Swiss Army knife — a player who can beat defenses in every possible way. Whether lining up in the backfield, in the slot, or out wide, Ohio State’s versatile running back has been a nightmare for coordinators to game plan against.
While his rushing numbers may not match Durham’s, Jackson’s value as a receiver puts him in a different category entirely. With over 1,100 total yards from scrimmage and 8 touchdowns, he’s been the most well-rounded offensive weapon in the country.
Ohio State has used Jackson creatively — motioning him into mismatches, running screens, and isolating him against linebackers. His ability to create after the catch is elite, and his football IQ is off the charts.
The biggest question surrounding Jackson’s candidacy is whether his hybrid role will hurt him in the eyes of traditional Heisman voters. His numbers might not lead any one category, but his all-around impact on the Buckeyes’ offense is undeniable. If Ohio State makes a strong playoff push, Jackson could emerge as this year’s “most valuable player” in the truest sense.
4. Kevin Jennings, QB, SMU
Stats: 1,773 passing yards, 22 TDs, 1 INT | 55 rushes, 201 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs
Kevin Jennings has quietly been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation, and it’s time his name entered the Heisman conversation. The SMU signal-caller is leading one of the most explosive offenses in college football, boasting a 22-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio that would make any NFL scout take notice.
Jennings doesn’t just manage the game — he controls it. His accuracy and ball placement have been stellar, and his ability to extend plays with his legs adds an extra dimension to the Mustangs’ offense. While his rushing totals aren’t eye-popping, his timing and feel in the pocket have made him one of the hardest quarterbacks to rattle this year.
Playing in the AAC might hurt his national exposure, but if SMU continues its unbeaten run and Jennings keeps posting these kinds of numbers, he’ll force his way into the spotlight. The Heisman is supposed to honor college football’s most outstanding player, not just the one from a Power Five school — and Jennings’ play fits that bill perfectly.
5. Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
Stats: 1,756 passing yards, 24 TDs, 1 INT | 53 rushes, 120 rushing yards
Dylan Raiola is the definition of efficient dominance. The Nebraska quarterback has been nearly flawless through seven weeks, carving up defenses with precision and poise. His 24 touchdown passes lead all major contenders, and his single interception speaks volumes about his control of the game.
Raiola isn’t a flashy scrambler like Lagway or a dual-threat runner like Jennings, but his surgical approach from the pocket has resurrected Nebraska’s offense. He’s mastered the art of taking what defenses give him, rarely forcing throws and executing offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield’s system with textbook accuracy.
While Raiola doesn’t have the gaudy rushing stats that tend to catch voters’ eyes, his command and production can’t be overlooked. If Nebraska stays in the Big Ten title race — and Raiola keeps this up — he could sneak into the top three by season’s end.
Final Thoughts: A Race Without a Runaway
Seven weeks in, and the Heisman picture is beautifully chaotic. Durham leads statistically, Lagway brings the reigning champion’s swagger, Jackson is redefining the modern offensive weapon, Jennings is putting up video-game efficiency, and Raiola is the model of precision and leadership.
The second half of the season will separate the good from the great. Durham’s durability will be tested in the brutal SEC. Lagway will face elite defenses down the stretch. Jackson must keep producing despite defensive adjustments. Jennings will need to dominate every week to stay in the national spotlight, and Raiola must prove he can win big games on the road.
Last year, DJ Lagway made his move down the stretch — storming past frontrunners with clutch performances in November. This year, the field is deeper, the margins are thinner, and the race feels destined to come down to the final week.
