After 2002, the season of the surprise candidate, this year will be a little more straightforward.
After many student-athletes saw their Heisman Trophy stock rise and fall, Southern Cal quarterback Carson Palmer walked away with college football's most prestigious award.
Now with Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett reportedly suspended for six weeks, the field changes significantly.
Clarett would certainly be a favorite going into this season, but his suspension opens the door for other hopefuls, including a teammate of his, to step up and claim the prize.
The real question will be: Can a junior tight end win college football's most prestigious award?
Front runners:
Kellen Winslow Jr.
Junior tight end, Miami
Better than his predecessors Jeremy Shockey and Bubba Franks, yes. Good enough to win the Heisman as a tight end, we'll have to see. Winslow is still the best one that got away from the Spartans. After MSU grabbed the top recruiting prize in the country two years in a row (T.J. Duckett, Charles Rogers), Winslow bucked the trend.
Philip Rivers
Senior quarterback, North Carolina State
Look no further than this record-smashing quarterback when trying to figure out how the Wolfpack is ranked No. 16 in the nation.
Rivers is on track to become the most prolific passer in ACC history.
We'll see if he's the real deal or not when N.C. State travels to Columbus to take on Chris Gamble and the defending champs.
Roy Williams
Senior wide receiver, Texas
This wideout will make everyone forget about a certain No.1 in green and white from last season. Williams is a fast and physical receiver that will give defensive backs nightmares this season. In a nation full of talented Williams receivers (Reggie of Washington and Mike of USC), this one stands heads and shoulders above the rest.
Chris Gamble
Junior cornerback/wide receiver, Ohio State
Even if Maurice Clarett were on the field in the Buckeyes' first half of the season, he still wouldn't be their best athlete. Gamble plays on both sides of the ball just as former Heisman winner Charles Woodson does.
He'll shut you down on defense and then burn you on the other side of the ball for six points. Watch for him to make some big plays this weekend as the Bucks defend their title against Washington and talented wideout Reggie Williams.
Ell Roberson
Senior quarterback, Kansas State
Well, Roberson has already rushed for 145 yards and passed for 205 in the Wildcats home opener against Cal. He rushed for a touchdown and a two-point conversion, along with hooking up with his receivers for another 3 scores.
Roberson is Michael Vick-ish scary. Last year he passed for more than 1500 yards and ran for more than 1000. But a tough Big 12 schedule could leave the Wildcats with a slew of losses, hurting Roberson's chances at the Heisman.
Dark horse:
Ben Roethlisberger
Senior quarterback, Miami (Ohio)
Now that Byron Leftwich is gone, look for Roethlisberger to take the top passing honors in the MAC.
His first big test will come against co-defending Big Ten champs Iowa. Roethlisberger's numbers might not glare out at you, but he's consistent and has a good head. Its tough to stand out when your team isn't a BCS school, but Roethlisberger could soon have fans across the Midwest chanting his name - if they can figure out to pronounce it.
