Ryan Williams and Ty Simpson Listed As Heisman Candidates

College football is a month away, and many anticipate this season will be filled with thrillers as teams fight to stay afloat to make the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

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Prior to the playoff, many awards are given to distinguished players. One of the top awards is the Heisman Trophy. The Heisman is a prestigious individual award given to nation's most outstanding player. With the season approaching, many analysts have predicted who will be holding the 45-pound trophy in December.

Earlier this week, Andy Staples of On3 provided a list of dark horse Heisman candidates, including Alabama's anticipated starting quarterback Ty Simpson and standout wide receiver Ryan Williams.

Williams was one of the top freshman receivers in the country during the 2024-25 season, recording 865 yards, eight touchdowns, and 48 receptions. Williams had many highlight plays that even put him in the Heisman discussion last season. Now, he returns for his Sophomore year with a higher chance at winning and more to add to his resume.

As for Simpson, he is predicted to have a break out season and a possible one-and-done situation similar to former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. Should Simpson's career mirror Jones', he could be a strong candidate for the Heisman.

Should Alabama have a season of dominance, the 2025-26 season could reflect the 2020 national championship roster: two athletes in the race for the Heisman and a national championship victory, with a quarterback who had a season so great that he only needed one year before heading to the NFL.