Heisman Power Rankings: QBs ascend, Taylor continues to dominate

We're just two weeks into the 2018 college football season, but the sport's brightest stars are already beginning to emerge.

Here are the top five Heisman Trophy candidates after Week 2's exciting slate of games:

5. Dwayne Haskins, QB - Ohio State

J.T. Barrett was arguably the greatest quarterback in Buckeyes history, but Haskins has filled his shoes admirably thus far. The redshirt sophomore has thrown nine touchdown passes in two games, and would have even more if he wasn't pulled in the third quarter while blowing out Rutgers. Haskins may not be as complete a passer as his counterparts on this list, but he'll remain a legitimate Heisman candidate if he keeps up this torrid pace. And with Ohio State being favored to earn a playoff berth out of the Big Ten, expect its signal-caller to stay in the spotlight.

4. Kyler Murray, QB - Oklahoma

Murray was named the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week after an incredible performance against UCLA in which he threw for 306 yards, ran for 69 more, and totaled five touchdowns. Oklahoma recently lost star running back Rodney Anderson for the remainder of the season, so it'll be up to the team's dynamic quarterback to carry the load. If Murray can stay hot and lead his team to the playoff, he'll be a shoe-in Heisman finalist in December.

3. Will Grier, QB - West Virginia

Grier continued his assault on college football Saturday against Youngstown State, making a number of difficult passes look easy. Through two weeks, the senior is the only FBS quarterback currently ranked inside the top five in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completion percentage. Grier's play against top-level competition will ultimately decide where he finishes in the Heisman race, but he's off to a good start. We're not sure there's a defense that can stop him.

2. Jonathan Taylor, RB - Wisconsin

It doesn't appear anyone can slow down Taylor, as the sophomore running back has been the premier player at his position thus far. Taylor steamrolled Western Kentucky and New Mexico by averaging 7.8 yards per rushing attempt, and his 398 yards is tops among all ball-carriers. He's also added five touchdowns on the ground, and appears set for a leap even after dominating as a freshman.

1. Tua Tagovailoa, QB - Alabama

A national champion as a freshman, and the Heisman Trophy winner as a sophomore? It could be in the cards for Tagovailoa, who leads the most explosive Alabama offense we've seen in quite some time. The athletic quarterback completed 13 of 19 passes for 228 yards and four touchdowns in limited action as the Crimson Tide crushed Arkansas State 57-7 in Week 2. Alabama has all the pieces in place to win a second straight title, and Tagovailoa will be the overwhelming Heisman favorite if his team finishes with the best record in the SEC.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)