Miami star receiver Malachi Toney's injury will have a major impact on the college football season, from the College Football Playoff picture to the Heisman Trophy race. Toney was considered a likely finalist for the award, and his absence opens the door for other contenders, including his own teammate, quarterback Darian Mensah.
Mensah vs. Carr becomes critical
The stakes of Saturday night's showdown in South Bend between No. 11 Notre Dame and Miami were already sky-high, but they have become stratospheric for the quarterbacks. Mensah is now one of the two clear favorites for the Heisman alongside Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith. A road win against a national championship contender without his top wide receiver could cement Mensah's case. Meanwhile, Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr has been efficient with 8.3 yards per attempt and 18 touchdowns to one interception, but the loss to BYU hurt his stock. This game may be his best shot to wow Heisman voters, especially after North Carolina's Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 341 yards against the Miami secondary.
Smith's path widens again
With Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin out indefinitely with a throwing arm injury, Smith's chances took a hit when freshman Luke Fahey struggled against USC. Smith was held in check until USC softened its defense with a two-score lead. Now, with Toney out, Smith is back as the favorite to win the Heisman, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. If Ohio State continues to target Smith heavily, he should put up numbers, starting with a top-25 matchup against Oregon. The Buckeyes must avoid one or two more losses down the stretch to keep Smith's hopes alive.
SEC quarterbacks lurk
Prior to Toney's injury, the SEC lacked obvious Heisman candidates. Trinidad Chambliss and Sam Leavitt remain long shots, but the door has cracked open. Chambliss can redeem himself against No. 2 Georgia in a primetime matchup at Oxford. Leavitt, a high-profile transfer from Arizona State, has elevated his game recently without critical mistakes. With LSU entering a critical stretch, Leavitt's Heisman stock could rise significantly by Thanksgiving.
