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Robert Griffin III names Heisman frontrunners entering Week 5, includes 2 B1G standout

Cole Thompson

By Cole Thompson

Published:

If a Heisman trophy-winning quarterback is telling you you can join the club, odds are you’re likely in the running for college football’s most coveted award.

ESPN’s Robert Griffin III recently released his top 5 rankings for this year’s Heisman Trophy entering Week 5. No surprise, 2021 winner Bryce Young from Alabama made the list, but he isn’t the front-runner. And while Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker has made the most headlines through 4 weeks, Griffin did mention 2 B1G members as potential winners as well.

No surprise, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud made the cut as Griffin’s No. 2 option. A bit of a surprise? Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim received the nod over Michigan’s Blake Corum, coming in at No. 2.

Both players have put their teams in the position to have stellar seasons nearing the halfway point. Stroud, a favorite to be the first quarterback selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, had his second 5-touchdown passing game in the Buckeyes’ 52-21 win over Wisconsin.

This season, Stroud has gone 79-of-112 passing for 1,222 yards and 16 touchdowns against 1 interception. His passer rating of 207.5 ranks 2nd among all FBS quarterbacks, trailing only TCU starter Max Duggan.

Ibrahim has earned the right to enter the conversation of Heisman contender. After suffering a ruptured Achilles in Week 1 of the 2021 season, the Golden Gophers running back has been money for PJ Fleck’s offense to begin the year.

In 4 games, Ibrahim has rushed for 567 yards off 89 carries. He ranks 2nd among FBS runners in rushing yards, and third in carries. His 8 rushing touchdowns trail only Corum, who has been the driving force of the Wolverines’ offense in terms of scoring.

Former Indiana and current Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. also made the list thanks to his hot start on former Hoosiers’ offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer. Leading the Huskies to a 4-0 record, Penix Jr. has thrown for an FBS-leading 1,388 yards and 12 touchdowns against 1 interception.

Cole Thompson

Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.