Alabama Football: Three reasons Bryce Young won’t win the Heisman

Alabama football quarterback Bryce Young exceeded lofty expectations to keep the Heisman Trophy in Tuscaloosa in 2021, his first year as a starter. I think it’s unlikely that Bryce repeats as the Heisman winner, but it’s not because I’m not confident in the signal caller.

I agree with the general consensus that Bryce is arguably the top quarterback in the nation, and I believe he will be even better in 2022 than he was last year. Greater efficiency does not always translate to more impressive numbers, however, and the Heisman is a numbers award.

In his second year in Bill O’Brien’s system, Bryce Young should have an improved passer rating and a better feel for the offense, but I would be surprised if he once again exceeded the 5,000 yard mark. If he does, that is not necessarily indicative of a good season for Alabama football.

In my opinion, the national championship hopes of Alabama football and Bryce’s repeat Heisman campaign may even be competing goals. As was the case last year, Bryce putting up Heisman-caliber numbers might not be a good sign for the team. Deficiencies in other areas of the roster largely necessitated his absurd statistics in 2021.

Generally, the reason you shouldn’t expect Bryce Young to win another Heisman is very simple: this is a different team. That starts with the receivers, as Bryce’s top two targets from his Heisman season will need to be replaced.