It is never too early to start identifying who will be a Heisman Trophy contender in 2018. There are several high profile players around the country who merit consideration.

Here are our top ten Heisman Trophy candidates.

1. Bryce Love, RB, Stanford: Love rushed for 2,118 yards last season. He had an NCAA record 13 rushes of over 50 yards. Love is the favorite going into this season but he will be challenged by a quality quarterback class.

2. Will Grier, QB, West Virginia: Now that Baker Mayfield has left Oklahoma, Grier takes over as the resident gun slinger in the Big 12. He should put up video game numbers throwing the ball this season and that will appeal to Heisman voters.

3. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon: Herbert is arguably the most talented quarterback in the country. When Herbert is healthy, the Ducks are as good as any team in the PAC-12. If Herbert managed to stay healthy, Oregon could be a player nationally and Herbert could find himself in New York.

4. Khalil Tate, QB, Arizona: Tate is the most dynamic offensive player in the country. He thrived in Rich Rodriguez’s offense last season. Rodriguez used Tate as a runner but new coach Kevin Sumlin will use him more as a passer and that would allow Tate to put up even bigger numbers this season.

5. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri: Lock three 44 touchdown passes last season. The gunslinging Lock will put up big numbers in Missouri’s spread offense. The question is, will Missouri have success as a team? If they do, Lock will be a big part of it and could end up winning a Heisman Trophy as a result.

6. Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn: Stidham led the Tigers to wins over Alabama and Georgia last season. Repeating that feat this season will be tough but if Stidham does it again and Auburn makes the college football playoff, he will win the Heisman.

7. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin: The Badgers are entering this season with a lot of hype. Expectations are high in Madison. If the Badgers are going to meet them, Taylor is going to have to lead the way and have a big season.

8. J.K Dobbins, RB, Ohio State: Dobbins rushed for 1,403 yards last season, Breaking Maurice Clarett’s freshmen rushing record. Dobbins averaged over 100 yards rushing per game. If he does that again and Ohio State makes a national title run, he will end in the Big Apple as well.

9. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston: Oliver is the best defensive player in the country and by the time it’s all said and done, he might end being recognized as the best player in the country after winning the Heisman. He would be only the second defensive player to win it. Charles Woodson won it at Michigan in 1997.

10. Trace McSorley, QB, Penn State: McSorley will be the focal point of an offense that must replace Saquon Barkley, Mike Gesicki and DaeSean Hamilton. If McSorely can keep the Nittany Lions in the race in the Big Ten East, he will get the attention of the Heisman voters.

Other Candidates:

Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan

Kelly Bryant, QB, Clemson

Jake Frohm, QB, Georgia

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Nick Fitzgerald, QB, Miss St.