He walked into an ideal situation for a first-year starter last year, with a team loaded with playmakers and stud linemen. The Trojans still have plenty of talent, but it's inexperienced. Leinart will be counted on to bring it together.
David Greene, QB, Georgia
The Bulldogs are loaded and well-seasoned and Greene is the unquestioned leader of the offense. He may not put up the gaudiest numbers, but he rarely makes mistakes and his team will be in the title chase.
Darren Sproles, RB, Kansas St.
Last season's most overlooked star rushed for 1,986 yards and finished a distant fifth in the Heisman voting. This year, coach Bill Snyder agreed to let KSU run a Heisman campaign for the 5-foot-7 dynamo.
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Cedric Benson, RB, Texas
The nation's active career rushing leader with 3,706 yards, he bypassed the NFL for his senior season. If he can lead the Longhorns past Oklahoma, hecould join Ricky Williams and Earl Campbell as Heisman winning runners from Texas.
Brad Smith, QB, Missouri
The do-it-all quarterback ran for 1,406 yards and 18 TDs and threw for 1,977 yards and 11 scores last season. He's a highlight reel-type of player and the Tigers could be heading for a breakout year.
