The Heisman Trophy 2023 finalists have been announced, and the winner will be determined in a ceremony to be held on December 9 in New York.
For this year, the nominees are Louisiana State University Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels, Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix, and Washington Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr.
The award, named after college football director, player, and coach John Heisman, is the top individual award given to college football players nationwide.
To the pro ranks, it previews who could be the next superstar in the National Football League. Who will join the likes of Joe Burrow, now Cincinnati Bengals's star? Who will follow the path of Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers and become the next no. 1 draft pick?
The four nominees for this year might want to look at these four men's careers if they ever decide to pursue the NFL. The list is limited to the best Heisman Trophy winners in the last decade.
1. Lamar Jackson, 2016
The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner is easily the top one on this list.
He is still with the Baltimore Ravens, the team that drafted him. More than that, he is now the Ravens' undisputable leader.
He won his first NFL Most Valuable Player in just his second season and followed it up with a Bert Bell Award. There is no debate that he was the best American football player in the world in 2019.
His was an amazing feat given that he initially hesitated to play quarterback in the pro league and preferred a wide receiver position.
Jackson still doesn't have the most prestigious Super Bowl to his name, and the closest he got to it was in 2020 in the AFC.
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2. Joe Burrow, 2019
Burrow, currently on the injured list, led the Cincinnati Bengals to the AFC Championship last season. In that same season, he finished fifth in completions (414) and passing yards (4,475). He also recorded 35 touchdowns, the second-best of 2023 and the franchise record.
His stock rose quickly, and in September this year, he became the highest-paid player in NFL history with an annual salary of $55 million.
His rookie year was not splendid due to injuries, but he returned stronger and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year of 2021.
3. Kyler Murray, 2018
2018 winner Kyler Murray is one of the most unique prospects in 2019. He was drafted no. 1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals and ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics in the MLB in 2018.
He made a good decision to choose the gridiron as he seemed comfortable there in his first season.
The Cardinals quarterback won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections.
4. Derrick Henry, 2015
Alabama Crimson Tide alum Derrick Henry won the Heisman Trophy in 2015, and although it took him some time to flourish in the pro, he still managed to become a star.
He is still with the Tennessee Titans, who drafted him 45th overall in 2015, which is relatively low for a Heisman Trophy winner.
He started his career as a backup to DeMarco Murray and became a starter in 2018. From there, his rise became gradual.
The 29-year-old running back won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 and the First-team All-Pro in the same year.
He currently has three Pro Bowl titles to his name.
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