Fans of the game will have plenty to cheer about with a host of new players on the scene, but one area to keep an eye on this year is the west coast as the PAC 12 Conference is loaded with talent and could have back-to-back wins of the coveted award.
Oregon lost last years winner Marcus Mariota, but the Ducks have perhaps the best running back in the country with Royce Freeman. Last year the freshman sensation rushed for nearly 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns, all while sharing time in the back field with Thomas Tyner, but with Tyner now out for the season with an injury, it could make for a big year from Freeman and a good chance the trophy will keep its home in the pacific northwest.
While all eyes are on the Ducks, USC has finally rid themselves of sanctions from the NCAA and have a full squad of players for the first time in years and with quarterback Cody Kessler at the helm, this could finally be the year the Trojans get back in the race for a National Championship.
Last year the senior signal caller had perhaps the best year of any quarterback in school history, but failed to crack the top-10 in voting. Kessler is finishing his college career with a team favored to win the PAC 12 and with another strong effort, he could bring the Heisman Trophy back to Heritage Hall.
For those looking for a long shot, Jared Goff of Cal could be your man. With just six wins under his belt in two years with the Bears, Goff is a dark horse, but with more stats like he’s had in his first two years in college, this junior could lead Cal to a Bowl bid and perhaps a trip to New York at the end of the 2015 college football season.
