Paul Finebaum updates his Heisman rankings following Week 8 of college football

Paul Finebaum updated his Heisman rankings following a wild Week 8 of college football. His list features some surprises, but it’s easy to see how his top candidates could end up in New York for the ceremony.

First, Finebaum started with his fourth candidate this morning on Sportscenter. While it’s been a controversial topic, Finebaum isn’t shying away — Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams belongs in the conversation.

“I start with someone who wasn’t starting two weeks ago because the person in the number one position was the Heisman favorite, but Spencer Rattler is now on the bench and Caleb Williams is possibly leading Oklahoma to a playoff berth,” Finebaum said of his No. 4 Heisman candidate. “They make every game look excruciatingly difficult but he is doing so well.  Keep your eye on him.”

After a slow start, Williams pulled off a comeback and then some against the Kansas Jayhawks. If he can somehow make his way to the top of the list, his heads-up move to steal the ball from his teammate and run for the first down could be one of the reasons why.

Williams didn’t start to begin the season, but C.J. Stroud did and was ineffective for the Ohio State Buckeyes. After many called for his job, Stroud has picked up his play by leaps and bounds over the last month.

“At number three, C.J. Stroud,” stated Finebaum. “Now, he may have a little competition from one of his [teammates], but he has been really brilliant. The back end of the Big Ten schedule is coming up for Ohio State.”

If Stroud can take down Penn State, Michigan State and Michigan over the rest of the season, it may be enough to deliver himself a Heisman.

Moreover, Finebaum’s top-two candidates didn’t feature many surprises. However, the order of which they’re ranked may be a surprise in itself.

“Bryce Young was really good last night. It was a tough game,” said Finebaum. “Alabama only led by one score early in the third quarter, but Bryce Young finally got on track and led the Crimson Tide to a 28-point victory.”

After being Finebaum’s favorite for weeks, Young moved down a rung to number two. However, he can work his way back into the top spot by continuing to play well and find ways to get victories.

Paul Finebaum’s Heisman Favorite

Finebaum’s favorite for the Heisman after Week 8 may not be a surprise, but it’s the right choice at this juncture.

“Matt Corral,” revealed Finebaum. “Some say it was a pedestrian performance yesterday for Ole Miss, but that was because he was so beat up from the week before.  He is the favorite right now in my book.”

Corral led the Ole Miss Rebels to a huge win over LSU on the day the program retired Eli Manning’s jersey number. While Manning came up just short in his Heisman campaign, Finebaum believes Corral could actually win the award.

Finally, Finebaum gave us one final gift — a surprise Heisman candidate to file away for later.

“And the file [away] could be number one as well. He’s the most dominating player in the country, Jordan Davis of Georgia,” said Finebaum. “The Dawgs were off yesterday, but they’ll be center stage this Saturday in Jacksonville as they take on Florida.”

If Jordan Davis can dominate Florida’s impressive offense, he may make good on Paul Finebaum’s prediction. Still, his top Heisman contenders following Week 8 make a lot of sense.