1. Robert Griffin III, Junior, Baylor Quarterback
Sure, he doesn't play on the best team, but Griffin has been the best player in the country this year, and if I were an NFL scout, I'd take a chance on him for the next level as well. Baylor finished the regular season 8-3, and when I review their season on paper, I can't help but think the Bears would have lost three or four more games without him. You can't play his position much better than a 73% completion rate, 34 touchdown passes, five interceptions, and seven touchdowns with his feet. I doubt Griffin will win the Heisman trophy, but he is the most worthy in my opinion. Will he come back for his senior season?
2. Andrew Luck, Senior, Stanford Quarterback
Luck did exactly what he needed to do against Notre Dame, finishing the regular season in style and daring Heisman voters to choose someone other than him. He completed 20 of 30 passes against a decent Irish defense, good for four touchdown passes, three of them before halftime. Having finished second in the Pac-12 to Oregon, Luck and the Cardinal hope to earn an at-large BCS bid.
3. Trent Richardson, Junior, Alabama Running Back
Richardson didn't exactly sell me as a candidate until his 203-yard performance against Auburn. He finished the regular season with 1,583 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. Chances are, his Crimson Tide will be offered a rematch with LSU for the national title. You can bet Richardson will be ready to go.
4. Case Keenum, Senior, Houston Quarterback
I thought Tulsa would give Keenum's Cougars a scare last weekend. Not so much. I don't think Southern Missouri will do it this weekend either. Keenum is the only player on my list who plays another game before the award is given. And he already boasts a 43:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio! Those who think Keenum's stellar numbers could be replicated by any yahoo in the Houston system do well to check out the Cougars' success (or lack of it) when Keenum missed most of the 2010 season. (They finished 5-7). What a difference one player makes, apparently.
5. Kellen Moore, Senior, Boise State Quarterback
I like this guy's body of work way too much to drop him out of my top five. His team will likely get squeezed out of the BCS due to an untimely loss and a weak schedule, but that doesn't mean he hasn't put up Heisman numbers for really the third year in a row. Against Wyoming, in Moore's last regular season game, he completed 24 of 36 passes, good for three touchdowns. Next year, the Broncos will dearly miss his steadiness.