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- Jacob Rhee

Don’t you dare tell me it’s too early to start talking about college football again. Toledo began its spring practice sessions on Monday. Clemson and Missouri get started around 48 hours from now. It’s happening, everyone. We’re back.

2024 gave us an iconic Heisman race, and the closest vote in 15 years. Travis Hunter was tied for 22nd in the preseason odds to win the award, while Ashton Jeanty wasn’t even listed. Here are five players that could follow in their footsteps during this upcoming campaign, and make a charge to New York out of nowhere.

1. Keelon Russell, Alabama QB

Some may claim that a guy battling to be the starting quarterback of a powerhouse can’t be considered a deep sleeper. I would counter that argument with Keelon’s birthdate. April 24, 2007. No, that’s not a typo. April 24, 2007. We are getting unbelievably old, folks.

Ty Simpson - a former five-star in his own right - has been waiting three years to be Bama’s signal-caller. He likely has the inside track right now, but I think Russell forces Kalen DeBoer’s hand in the coming months. The raw talent is tantalizing; folks in the scouting world seem convinced that he’s Jayden Daniels 2.0, and that’s not an outlandish comparison.

Lamar Jackson is the youngest Heisman recipient ever, and Keelon would beat his record by an astounding 469 days if he hoists the trophy. Don’t rule it out.

2. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina EDGE

Once upon a time, it looked like Stewart might be headed to Columbus. Thus, I feel a pang of jealousy every time I watch the Gamecocks play. The kid is absolutely unreal. Perhaps the most terrifying part is that he doesn’t even fully know what he’s doing yet. Dylan kind of just flies off the line of scrimmage, violently dips around the poor tackle that’s across from him, and launches himself at whichever human is holding the football. When the technique sharpens, it’s over.

South Carolina has a tough schedule, but that also means there will be plenty of national television opportunities. In order for a defensive player to receive real buzz, they need a signature performance on a big stage. Maybe the future top-five pick gets to Garrett Nussmeier four times and bursts into the discussion.

3. Isaac Brown, Louisville RB

When a three-star true freshman marches onto Clemson’s campus and does this, they have my attention.

Brown was the only running back in America to reach 1,100 rushing yards while averaging at least 7.1 per carry. Even Jeanty himself fell short. The Cardinals should start 5-0 this fall, and I expect Isaac to rack up massive numbers during that opening stretch. A special Year 2 is on the horizon.

4. Ryan Wingo, Texas WR

Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, and Gunnar Helm are all NFL-bound, and the runway is clear for Wingo’s breakout. By halftime of the season opener against Ohio State, he will have established himself as Arch Manning’s clear-cut favorite target.

I adore wide receivers that block. Lay it on the line for your boys, and there will always be an open spot for you on my roster of personal favorites. I thought Ryan was a real difference-maker in the run game throughout his first year; he’ll get media attention for being a burner in the open field, but that unselfishness is what really has me convinced. The Longhorns have themselves a superstar.

5. Behren Morton, Texas Tech QB

Half of his own fan base despises him, which might make it difficult to garner nationwide Heisman hype.

Even though Behren doesn’t always pass the eye test with flying colors, I’m not quite sure I understand the hatred. Here is the full list of quarterbacks who finished with 3,300+ passing yards, 27+ passing touchdowns, and under 10 interceptions last season.

• Cam Ward

• Jaxson Dart

• Dillon Gabriel

• Cade Klubnik

• Behren Morton

After brilliant work in the portal, I believe the Red Raiders are the best squad in the Big 12 on paper. The Texas Tech folks will have no choice but to give Morton his flowers when he has the team in position to claim its first conference title in 21 years.

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