Three quarterbacks and one defensive end have been announced as finalists for the 2021 Heisman Trophy. The winner of the top individual award in college football will be announced Saturday night in New York.

Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith won the 2020 Heisman Trophy, snapping a streak of four straight quarterback winners. A quarterback has won the award in 17 of the last 21 seasons. A defensive player hasn’t won the award since Charles Woodson did it as Michigan’s star cornerback in 1997.

Here’s a look at the four 2021 Heisman Trophy finalists.

Bryce Young, Alabama QB (Projected Winner)

It will be a stunning upset if Young doesn’t win the award. A -4000 favorite at Caesars Sportsbook when the finalists were announced, the sophomore likely locked up the trophy with his performance in Alabama's 41-24 win over Georgie in the SEC Championship Game. Young had 421 passing yards, 40 rushing yards and four total touchdowns against the nation’s top defense. With 4,322 yards, 43 touchdowns and four interceptions, Young is the most important player on the No. 1 team in the country.

Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan DE

The only finalist who doesn’t play quarterback, Hutchinson is unlikely to win the Heisman Trophy. He might be as good as any player in college football, however, given his impact on a defense that led Michigan to the Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff. Hutchinson is third in the FBS with 14 sacks in addition to 58 total tackles and three passes defended. Hutchinson totaled 11 tackles and four sacks in wins over Ohio State and Iowa that propelled the Wolverines to the CFP.

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State QB

The only freshman finalist, Stroud ranks first among all Power Five quarterbacks with a 182.2 passing efficiency rating. Stroud completed 70.9% of his attempts for 3,862 yards, 38 scores and five interceptions. Even in Ohio State’s two losses, the 20-year-old threw for 878 total yards, five touchdowns and a pick.

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh QB

The fifth-year senior led Pittsburgh to its best record in 30 years and first-ever ACC Championship. Pickett’s 42 touchdowns before the Peach Bowl are a conference record, and his 4,319 passing yards are just behind Young for fifth among all FBS quarterbacks. After throwing for 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions in each of his two previous seasons, Pickett has a chance to become the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy Getty
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