The following rankings are taken from an average of the latest Heisman Trophy watch lists from five national publications: ESPN.com, CBSsportsline.com, USA Today, SI.com and Scripps Howard News Service:
Averages
Number reflects average positioning on Heisman Watch lists (first place=5 points, second place=4 points, third place=3 points, fourth place=2 points, fifth place=1 point).
Overall Rank Position School Average Rank
1. ADRIAN PETERSON RB Oklahoma 3.8
Season stats: 314 carries, 1,843 yards, 15 TDs
Peterson had an outstanding performance in the Big 12 title game, rushing for 172 yards and three touchdowns against Colorado. He has 11 100-yard rushing games, an NCAA record for a freshman. His first-year status may be the only thing that keeps him from the trophy.
2. JASON WHITE QB Oklahoma 3.4
Season stats: 231-for-354, 2,961 yards, 33 TDs, 6 INTs
Starting with his five-touchdown performance against Texas A&M, White has been on a roll late in the season. He was nearly perfect (29 of 35, 383 yards, three touchdowns) against Nebraska, and last week against Colorado in the Big 12 title game, he threw for three more touchdowns. The voting could come down to two Sooners, White and Peterson.
3. MATT LEINART QB USC 3.0
Season stats: 251-for-377, 2,990 yards, 28 TDs, 6 INTs
Leinart's stock rose after a dominating performance against Notre Dame (400 yards and five touchdowns), but his chances likely took a hit in his final regular-season game, a 29-24 win over UCLA. In that game, Leinart had an interception against no touchdown passes. It was the first time in 25 career starts Leinart has failed to throw a TD.
4. ALEX SMITH QB Utah 2.4
Season stats: 185-for-280, 2,624 yards, 28 TDs, 4 INTs; 120 carries, 563 yards, 10 TDs
Smith has been in the shadows while White, Peterson and Leinart have posted big numbers in high-profile games. Smith's most recent performance, when he threw two interceptions against BYU, wasn't his best. He has steadily dropped on some Heisman lists. Still, he's The Sporting News' player of the year and a first-team All-American, according to Sports Illustrated.
5. REGGIE BUSH RB/WR USC 1.2
Season stats: 137 carries, 833 yards, 6 TDs; 41 catches, 478 yards, 7 TDs
Bush had touchdown runs of 65 and 81 yards against the Bruins, overshadowing Leinart in the Trojans' 29-24 win. This dynamic and dangerous touchdown producer is high on some lists and absent on others.
HEISMAN WATCH
ESPN.com; CBSsportsline.com; USAToday; SI.com; Scripps Howard News Service
1. Jason White 1. Adrian Peterson 1. Matt Leinart 1. Adrian Peterson 1. Jason White
2. Adrian Peterson 2. Alex Smith 2. Jason White 2. Alex Smith 2. Matt Leinart
3. Matt Leinart 3. Matt Leinart 3. Adrian Peterson 3. Reggie Bush 3. Reggie Bush
4. Alex Smith 4. Jason White 4. Cedric Benson 4. J.J. Arrington 4. Adrian Peterson
5. Cedric Benson 5. Cedric Benson 5. Alex Smith 5. Jason White 5. Alex Smith