Can a Pac-12 player bring home college football's most glamorous piece of individual hardware this season? Here are the league's top candidates to win the 2016 Heisman Trophy:
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford: Many will argue that he should have won the Heisman last year on the fuel of a record-breaking season. McCaffrey shattered Barry Sanders' NCAA season all-purpose yardage mark, but a series of late-night game times might have limited his exposure to Heisman voters on the East Coast. That should be less of an issue this season, as the McCaffrey hype train has been rolling since his epic performance in the Rose Bowl about eight months ago.
The big question: Can McCaffrey deliver an encore with defenses keying heavily on him? Although McCaffrey is reportedly faster and stronger entering 2016, the answer to that may depend on his teammates' ability to provide another threat.
Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon: He also delivered a sensational 2015. Freman racked up 1,836 rushing yards and scored 19 touchdowns, serving as the bell cow for a Ducks offense that badly needed one when quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. was injured. There's every reason to believe that Freeman can log another huge year: At 230 pounds, he was already administering physical punishment to defenders as a freshman in 2014, and he's only grown stronger. If Oregon returns to the top of the Pac-12 North, Freeman should have a fighter's chance for the Heisman.
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA: After his trial-by-fire freshman campaign, Rosen expects to take the next step into true stardom. He was solid last season -- especially for a youngster at his position -- completing 60 percent of his passes for 3,669 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. If those numbers see the necessary second-year improvement and if UCLA's defense proves sturdier than it was last year, the Bruins should enjoy enough team success to put Rosen in the Heisman contention spotlight.
Luke Falk, QB, Washington State: Falk led the nation by averaging 380 passing yards per game last season, and he also delivered a fantastic 38-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Detractors argue that a quarterback from an Air Raid system carries inflated numbers. While there's truth to that notion, Falk is certainly good: His toughness and versatility were on full display last season. Falk allowed Washington State to add snaps from under center to its offensive arsenal, and his clutch play in crunch time led the Cougars to a nine-win campaign. More team success would make Falk a Heisman candidate in 2016.
Myles Gaskin, RB, Washington: Advanced stats say that from Week 8 to the end of last season, Gaskin was the second-best running back in the nation -- behind only McCaffrey. He inflicted 1,302 yards and 14 touchdowns of damage as a true freshman. Gaskin isn't the only one a year older and stronger in Seattle: Quarterback Jake Browning has also matured, as has a Huskies offensive line that returns most of its pieces. Washington has become a trendy pick to win the Pac-12. If that happens, Gaskin will enjoy Heisman looks -- and maybe Browning will, too.
Adoree' Jackson, CB/WR, USC: As one of the most versatile players in the conference, Jackson will have a chance to build a highlight reel on offense, defense and special teams. He's an electric talent. Given the right combination of eye-popping plays and Trojans team success, Jackson could also thrust himself into the Heisman mix.
