Matt Barkley [QB - USC] This was an okay effort from the USC offense, which resulted in 372 yards and four touchdowns for Barkley. He’ll need to tighten things up, improve his completion percentage and, of course, win, but Barkley is still the front-runner.

De’Anthony Thomas [RB/WR - Oregon] Thomas was limited to seven touches in a ruthless blowout of Arkansas State. Those seven touches amounted to 119 yards and three touchdowns. He will start playing full games soon and could possibly make a run at 1,000 yards and 20TD on the ground and receiving.

Geno Smith [QB - West Virginia] Smith’s candidacy will rest on sick numbers. Against Marshall, he completed 32/36 for 323 yards through the air. He had eight carries for 65 yards on the ground. He had five total touchdowns.

Le’Veon Bell [RB - Michigan State] Bell had 265 total yards and two touchdowns, carrying the Spartans to a win against Boise State. He also hurdled this fellow. Those yards, however, came on 50 total touches, which is absurd. He should continue producing, but MSU cannot rely on working him that hard for an entire season.

T.J. Yeldon [RB - Alabama] Eddie Lacy may end up being picked in the first three rounds next spring. He may get shoved aside for this freshman. Yeldon touched the ball 12 times in his first college game against Michigan for 137 yards and a touchdown. Alabama may be the country’s best team. In their first game, he was arguably their best player.

[Photo via Presswire]

Heisman Rankings: Preseason