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Week 7 Heisman Trophy Power Rankings: Gunner Stockton, C.J. Carr rise after big games

The Heisman Trophy conversation expanded this week as rising stars Gunner Stockton and C.J. Carr delivered standout performances, pushing them closer to the national spotlight.

Stockton, Georgia’s quarterback often overshadowed by the Bulldogs’ defense, led a clutch effort in Tuscaloosa, delivering critical third-down throws to secure a victory. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s C.J.

Carr, though facing a weaker opponent in Stanford, threw for 181 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his offense’s momentum ahead of a high-stakes matchup with BYU. The absence of usual frontrunners like Kamario Taylor (Mississippi State) and Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) due to byes or less competitive matchups created an opening for these players to climb the rankings, with both now lurking just outside the top five.

The top tier of the Heisman race remained stable, but the schedule’s lull allowed lesser-known candidates to make noise. Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor, once a dominant force, saw his stock dip after a loss to Alabama, though he still holds a path to redemption with LSU on the horizon.

Miami’s Darian Mensah, meanwhile, remains in the conversation but faces an easier slate this week before tougher challenges against Pitt and North Carolina. With the season’s toughest tests approaching, these emerging players could redefine the race if they sustain their recent performances.

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