:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4256413/156911149.0.jpg)
1) Johnny Manziel: QB, Texas A&M (Last Week: 1st)
At this juncture, the only reason "Johnny Football" won't make history as the first freshman to win the Heisman is good ol' boy voter bias. He caps a record-setting regular season with 3,419 yards passing, 24 touchdowns and 1,181 yards rushing and another 19 scores. Not to mention, a ridiculous amount of jaw-dropping plays and a signature win over then No. 1 Alabama.
2) Manti Te'o: LB, Notre Dame (Last Week: 2nd)
With the Irish offense, its clear that Notre Dame's national title game bid is built on defense, and specifically Te'o. The senior capped the 12-0 season with 103 tackles (5.5 for loss), seven interceptions (second most in the nation), two fumble recoveries and 1.5 sacks, but his value to the team goes way beyond his already sensational stat line.
3) Collin Klein: QB, Kansas State (Last Week: 4th)
The loss to Baylor may have knocked Klein from the perch, but that trophy or not, Klein has been sensational. He capped his remarkable season with a win over Texas on Saturday to secure the Big 12 title for the Wildcats. In the game, he 184 yards passing, one touchdown and 103 yards rushing and two more scores in the 42-24 win.
4) Braxton Miller: QB, Ohio State (Last Week: 5th)
He's not going bowling, but he did lead his team to a 12-0 record in a BCS conference, and was great in doing so. On the year, Miller threw for 2,039 yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for 1,271 and 13 more scores. Being just a sophomore, he'll be among the favorites heading into 2013...and maybe '14.
5) Jarvis Jones: LB, Georgia (Last Week: Unranked)
His chance at going to New York is zero, but Jones has been a favorite of ours all season long, and is perhaps the most dynamic defender in the nation. In Georgia's 32-28 loss to Alabama in the SEC title game, Jones added two more sacks and three tackles-for-loss to his already impressive resume. On the year, he totaled 12.5 sacks, 22.5 tackles-for-loss and forced seven fumbles.
Small School Pick: Jordan Lynch, QB - Northern Illinois
Lynch made last week's list as the darkhorse of the week, and he gets our nod as the top small-to-mid player of the year. Following Friday's win over No. 17 Kent State, Lynch topped the nation in rushing with 1,771 yards along with 19 touchdowns. He also was great as a passer, completing 62.9% of his throws for 2,962 yards and 24 scores with just five interceptions.