Heisman Finalists 2021: Alabama quarterback Bryce Young leads the way to New York

The Heisman Trophy Trust announced the four finalists for the 2021 Heisman Memorial Trophy on Monday evening. The Heisman Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. So, who are the four Heisman Trophy finalists in 2021?

Who are the Heisman Trophy finalists in 2021?

After an incredible season of college football action, Heisman Trophy voters narrowed down the 2021 contenders down to four finalists. One of these four finalists will be immortalized as the most outstanding college football player in 2021. Who are the four 2021 Heisman Trophy finalists? What have they done to earn their place in New York City? And, what are their latest odds of winning the 2021 Heisman Trophy?

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Passing yards: 4,322 | Completion percentage: 68.0% | Yards per attempt: 9.3 | Passing touchdowns: 43 | Interceptions: 4 | Rushing yards: 31 | Rushing touchdowns: 3 | Heisman Trophy odds: -3500

As the Heisman Trophy odds leader, it’s no surprise to see Bryce Young as one of the four finalists. The Alabama quarterback has been outstanding in his first season under center in Tuscaloosa. He’s set multiple program records this year. Those include most passing yards in a first career start, most single-game passing yards, and season completions.

With a place in the College Football Playoffs secured, Young could also surpass the season yardage and touchdown records set by Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa. Furthermore, in getting to the playoffs, he set an SEC Championship Game record for passing yardage. What’s more remarkable? Young set it against a Georgia defense that had allowed just 150.8 passing yards per game. His performance in that game was the epitome of a “Heisman moment.”

Remarkably, Young is in position to be the first Alabama quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy.

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Solo tackles: 33 | Total tackles: 58 | Sacks: 13.0 | Tackles for loss: 15.5 | Forced fumbles: 2 | Heisman Trophy odds: +1600

In addition to honoring the outstanding college football player, Heisman Trophy winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. That one sentence alone sums up Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. After suffering an injury last season, Hutchinson returned to the Wolverines for his senior season. With perseverance and hard work, he has helped drag Michigan into the College Football Playoff.

Hutchinson has been a monster this season. There is simply no other way of describing his ascension into the national consciousness. Explosive, powerful, and possessing superior technical ability, the Michigan defensive end has been nothing but outstanding. He’s now the record holder for sacks in the Michigan program. As a result, he could be the first defensive Heisman Trophy winner since 1997.

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Passing yards: 4,319 | Completion percentage: 67.2% | Yards per attempt: 8.7 | Passing touchdowns: 42 | Interceptions: 7 | Rushing yards: 233 | Rushing touchdowns: 5 | Heisman Trophy odds: +3000

Of all the four finalists for the 2021 Heisman Trophy, no one player has better demonstrated the pursuit of excellence than Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett.

During an outstanding campaign, Pickett surpassed the ACC single-season touchdown record. Additionally, he broke the program record for single-season touchdowns and career touchdowns. Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino formerly held both records.

Furthermore, Pickett now holds all passing-yardage records for the Panthers. Whether it’s been carving up college defenses with his arm or fake sliding his way to huge gains on the ground, the Pitt quarterback’s season has been littered with “Heisman Trophy moments.” No player has been more pivotal to their team’s success than the Pitt passer.

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Passing yards: 3,862 | Completion percentage: 70.9% | Yards per attempt: 9.8 | Passing touchdowns: 38 | Interceptions: 5 | Rushing yards: -30 | Rushing touchdowns: 0 | Heisman Trophy odds: +3000

There is no doubt that C.J. Stroud has displayed that he’s an outstanding college football player with great ability. Despite falling at the final hurdle against Michigan, Stroud had helped engineer a phenomenal Buckeyes recovery following their Week 2 defeat to the Oregon Ducks. His poise, placement, and arm power were exceptional for a young quarterback.

Yet, Stroud’s candidacy as one of the four 2021 Heisman Trophy finalists also encompasses multiple qualification aspects. For he has had to persevere and work hard to overcome early-season stumbles. When his ability was being questioned, he answered it with integrity. Furthermore, he answered it with a sensational showing worthy of a Heisman Trophy winner.

When is the Heisman Trophy winner announced?

The four 2021 Heisman Trophy finalists will learn if they’ve etched their name in college football history on Saturday, December 11. The Heisman Trophy is awarded at a ceremony in New York City, which airs on ESPN at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT. Additionally, you can watch the Heisman Trophy Ceremony presented by Nissan online via WatchESPN.

Furthermore, the top 10 players receiving Heisman Trophy votes, including the four finalists, will be featured on a special show on Thursday, December 9. The Top Ten Heisman Trophy Finalists Show presented by Nissan will air on ESPN at 9 PM ET/8 PM CT.