By : Colton Towns
(Photo/Faizan Bokhari-The Mojo Network)
As the college football season enters its final month, the races for conference championships, the College Football Playoff, and the Heisman Trophy are heating up. This year’s Heisman race has felt as open as ever, but Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King is starting to earn the recognition he deserves.
Despite leading one of the nation’s most balanced and explosive offenses, King’s name hasn’t always come up among the top Heisman contenders. National analysts often describe him as a tough, system-fit quarterback for the Yellow Jackets, but his production tells a different story. It’s time King is acknowledged as one of the best players in college football, worthy of being mentioned alongside Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, and other frontrunners.
King ranks among the nation’s elite in nearly every major offensive category. He is second in the country with 12 rushing touchdowns, fourth in scoring at 10.3 points per game, seventh in completion percentage at 72.3 percent, tenth in total points scored with 72, twelfth in total offense with 304.4 yards per game, and fourteenth in points responsible for per game at 16.6.
For much of the season, King’s name has flown under the radar. That began to change after his dominant performance against Syracuse, where he accounted for five total touchdowns in Georgia Tech’s 41-16 win. After the game, head coach Brent Key was quick to make his case for his quarterback’s Heisman consideration.
“Find me someone that brings more value to their team and truly embodies what our program stands for,” Key said. “He can run, he can throw, and I’m glad he’s on my team. I don’t have a vote, but it would be a shame if he’s not in New York.”
King, as usual, deflected the spotlight when asked about his Heisman buzz. “I dreamed of it a little bit,” he said, “but I’m more about winning the National Championship. I’m more of a team guy.”
At Fanduel Sportsbook, King currently sits seventh in the Heisman odds at +2500. To move higher, he’ll likely need a few more statement performances down the stretch. Games against NC State, Boston College, and Pittsburgh may not sway voters, but the spotlight will shine bright in the regular season finale against Georgia and a potential ACC Championship appearance.
If King delivers big moments in those matchups and leads Georgia Tech to a 13-0 record, his case becomes undeniable. A perfect season paired with his dual-threat production would make him one of the best stories in college football and a deserving finalist in New York.
Whether or not he ultimately hoists the Heisman, Haynes King has already solidified his place among the nation’s top quarterbacks. His leadership, toughness, and playmaking ability have transformed Georgia Tech from an overlooked program into a legitimate playoff contender — and the college football world is finally starting to take notice.