Matt Leinart narrows his two Heisman Trophy frontrunners

The Heisman Trophy conversation is in full swing and after brilliant performances from two of the top young quarterbacks in the nation on Saturday, it appears that it’s a two-man race.

Matt Leinart was the 2004 winner as the quarterback of the USC Trojans, who is now a FOX college football analyst chimed in on his thoughts about who he believes will claim the ultimate prize this season.

“The Heisman Trophy is between CJ Stroud and Bryce Young,” the former USC star said on Saturday. “Both Southern Cal boys. A couple HUGE opportunities for the young men over next few weeks.”

At this point, it feels like Leinart, like most sports media folks, don’t see a path for anyone other than one of the two young guns. Anyone with a pulse on college football understands how difficult it is for a non-quarterback to win the coveted award.

Since Leinart was named the Heisman Trophy winner 17 years ago, there have been just four non-quarterbacks to win the honor. Last season, Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith became the first player at his position to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991. The running back trio of Derrick Henry (2015), Mark Ingram (2009) and Reggie Bush (2005) were the other players in the period to win.

The case for CJ Stroud to win Heisman Trophy

On Saturday, CJ Stroud had already broken an Ohio State record by completing 17 consecutive passes and tied an Ohio State record by throwing six touchdown passes by halftime. He had already thrown for 393 yards after completing 29 of his first 31 pass attempts. And it was already clear Stroud had done what he needed to do to solidify his status as a Heisman frontrunner.

Stroud was already a slight Heisman favorite at most sportsbooks entering Saturday’s game. A nearly flawless performance in the national spotlight against a Michigan State team that was ranked seventh in the country propelled him to the top of the pack.

Is Bryce Young Heisman Trophy favorite?

The Alabama quarterback has been the most consistent of the two all season.

In a game where Arkansas gave the Crimson Tide a scare, Bryce Young was unfazed and brilliant. He broke Alabama’s single-game passing yards record, throwing for 561 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions while constantly answering the call when the Razorbacks put pressure on his team.

The first-year starter has thrown for 3,584 yards, 38 touchdowns and just three interceptions, further thrusting his name to the top of most sportsbooks and talking heads as the favorite to bring home the Heisman Trophy.