2012 Heisman Trophy finalists: Klein headed to New York with Manziel, Te'o

For leading Kansas State to one of its best seasons in school history, Wildcats senior quarterback Collin Klein is one of three college football players headed to New York as one of the finalists for one of the most prestigious individual awards in sports, the Heisman Trophy.

Klein, Texas A&M freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel, and Notre Dame senior linebacker Manti Te'o were all named finalists for the award on Monday.

Klein is expected by most to finish behind the other two candidates for the Heisman, which prognosticators say will be awarded to Manziel, the first time the Heisman will have been given to a freshman. Klein led Kansas State to within one loss of the national title game while passing for 2490 yards and 15 touchdowns and rushing for 890 yards and 22 touchdowns. Kansas State (11-1) is headed to the Fiesta Bowl to play Oregon on Jan. 3.

Manziel led Texas A&M to a 10-2 record the school's first season in the SEC, including a win over No. 2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa that stands as the only loss the Crimson Tide have had all season. Manziel has thrown for 3,419 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 1,181 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Te'o is looking to be the first defensive player to win the Heisman since cornerback Charles Woodson won with Michigan in 1997. Te'o has been the anchor of a Notre Dame defense that is headed to the BCS title game against Alabama on Jan. 7.

The ceremony takes place Saturday, Dec. 8, in New York.