UNC Football: Why Sam Howell is Favored For Heisman

This upcoming season in the Atlantic Coast Conference  will be unique with Trevor Lawrence moving on and turning the reigns over to D.J. Uiagalelei .This left room for a new quarterback to take over that top spot not only in the conference but in the nation as well.

Along with being the top quarterback comes likely Heisman votes with 9 out of the last 11 Heisman winners playing the quarterback position, which opens the conversation on who should be favored to win the Heisman.

The three best quarterbacks in the nation are expected to be Spencer Rattler, Desmond Riddler, and of course Sam Howell. The biggest difference is play on the field so far, which is heavily in Howell’s favor when you look at the numbers. Neither Rattler or Riddler have thrown for 30 touchdowns and haven’t thrown for more passing yards than Howell’s true freshman season. All three quarterbacks are expected to be in the running for the Heisman, but neither Rattler nor Riddler match the expectations of Howell.

Howell, who is entering his junior season, has the hype of the Popeye’s chicken sandwich launch and his numbers are why.

In his first two seasons, he’s thrown for a combined 7,227 passing yards, 68 touchdowns, and only 14 interceptions. His 68 touchdowns own the record for most touchdown passes by a sophomore in ACC history, and last season his 3586 passing yards led the ACC and ranked 4th in the NCAA. This season he is one touchdown pass shy from owning UNC Football’s passing touchdown record and has a chance at breaking Clemson’s Tajh Boyd 107 ACC career touchdown record.

Along with the impressive numbers, Howell has the accolades to match, winning ACC rookie of the year, 2019 military bowl MVP, and 2nd team All-ACC last season. What also helps Howell’s case to be favored for the Heisman is that heading into the season Carolina is expected to be one of the best in all of college football. The UNC Football program has been ranked in the top 10 on many lists including ranking in at number 8 on ESPN’S post-spring top 25.

This upcoming season could be big for the UNC Football program and Howell. There’s a true chance Howell enters the upcoming NFL Draft the same way Joe Burrow did: as a Heisman-winning national champion.

Be sure to check back with Keeping it Heel as we continue the coverage on  Howell and the UNC Football program.