10. OREGON RB ROYCE FREEMAN

Amid a tumultuous season — by Oregon standards, anyway — Royce Freeman was a rock. The Ducks’ power-back rushed for 1,836 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. He notched another 348 yards receiving and scored two touchdowns via the pass. His individual campaign was the best of any Oregon running back since Kenjon Barner in 2012, and comparable to LaMichael James’ 2010 Heisman finalist run.

Thomas Tyner’s return to the Oregon backfield after missing all of 2015 due to injury could impact Freeman’s touches. So, too, could another offseason quarterback competition.

9. HOUSTON QB GREG WARD

Group of Five Heisman hopefuls are at decided disadvantages, but Greg Ward Jr. launched his 2016 campaign on a prominent stage. His three-touchdown performance in Houston’s Peach Bowl dominance of Florida State introduced a new audience to the dual-threat play-maker.

A Week 1 date with Oklahoma and the Sooners’ own Heisman hopeful, Baker Mayfield, could catapult Ward into the stratosphere.