Tua Tagovailoa was considered the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy all season long. However, his recent performances have opened up the competition, allowing Kyler Murray to emerge as a strong contender. Murray, the talented Oklahoma quarterback, has had an exceptional season, throwing for 4,053 yards and 40 touchdowns, while also rushing for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading his team to a remarkable 12-1 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Tagovailoa has also had a stellar season, throwing for 3,353 yards and 37 touchdowns, and adding 190 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground for the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. Despite his impressive stats, the lack of a Heisman Trophy may overshadow his accomplishments this year, but his performance will be remembered as outstanding nonetheless.
This is not the first time a standout player has been overshadowed in the Heisman race. In 2009, Toby Gerhart of Stanford had an exceptional season, rushing for 1,871 yards and 28 touchdowns. However, he narrowly lost the Heisman to Mark Ingram of Alabama, who put up 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns. Colt McCoy of Texas also had a remarkable season, throwing for 3,036 yards and 26 touchdowns, and rushing for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading his team to an undefeated season and their first national championship in decades.
