Heisman Trophy voting: The breakdown of this year’s ballot

Jeff Hauser

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Heisman Trophy voting: The breakdown of this year’s ballot image

The Heisman Trophy presentation brings together the best of college football with the backdrop of lower Manhattan in the heart of New York City. There is a special feeling that comes with covering the events of the weekend.

As a Heisman voter over the past eleven years, there hasn't been a dull moment. I was asked this week by Texas Tech alum Stacy Gibson, "What exactly is the criteria for voting?"

Great question, and the answer is simple: A player who exemplifies the best of college football both on and off the field—one who is a game-changer and has the ability to lift a team up when needed. They are also a steward of the game, and the winner moves on to be part of the sport’s highest fraternity.

Before revealing how I voted for this year's finalists, here's how the nation cast their ballots. 

 

My third-place vote went to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. The gunslinger helped guide the Commodores to a record-setting 10-2 record this season and put on a show in the process. As a dual-threat, there's no shortage of highlights to be had from the New Mexico State transfer.

What Pavia did against top opponents was a major reason he was in my top three. The SEC is best-on-best every single week, and there's no doubt Pavia is featured in that category. To account for over 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns is not an easy feat.

My second-place vote went to Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin. To take over an offensive unit that won a national championship and lead them to a 12-0 undefeated regular season without skipping a beat was phenomenal. To do that while completing nearly 80 percent of all passes is absurd.

Sayin earned his spot for continuing to shine when top receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate were out. His 3,323 yards and 31 touchdowns, along with having single-digit incompletions in every game, is unheard of in the modern era. He averaged 5.9 incompletions per game this season. That's pretty consistent for a quarterback.

My top Heisman pick for this year was Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Every time the Hoosiers needed a spark, the Cal transfer was the one to make it happen. He'll be remembered for his touchdown pass in the back of the end zone to Omar Cooper Jr. Against Penn State. But there were other highlights along the way, such as the Big Ten Championship game and making history.

There was definitely a case for all four finalists and even Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez. Every player in the top ten of voting was special, but Mendoza leading Indiana to history was unforgettable.

This year's College Football Playoff will be great to watch with another champion getting put in the books under the 12-team format. 

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Staff Writer