By Matt Zenitz

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is back for more after winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy. (University of Oklahoma Athletics)

For the first time in college football’s storied history, two former Heisman Trophy winners will take the field this season in hopes of becoming the second, two-time winner of the award.

However, that’s not to say Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow will be without their fair share of competition.

Colt McCoy finished second in the Heisman voting last year while other players such as Zac Robinson, Dez Bryant and Terrelle Pryor figure to draw serious consideration if their teams can stay in the hunt for the national championship.

Here’s a look at the early favorites for this year’s top individual award:

Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Last year’s winner was the catalyst for the nation’s highest scoring offense. Bradford tossed 50 touchdowns for a Sooner attack held under 50 points just five times all season. He also had as many games with four or more touchdowns (eight) as he had interceptions.

Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
McCoy was Mr. Everything for Texas in 2008, throwing for 3,859 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing an astronomical 76 percent of his passes. McCoy was also the Longhorns’ most effective runner, leading the team in rushing while adding 11 scores on the ground.

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Tebow saw his production dip from his record-setting Heisman campaign in 2007 but still led the way for Florida’s second national championship in three years. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Tebow has accounted for 97 touchdowns (62 passing, 35 rushing) over the last two seasons to go along with a mere 10 interceptions over that span.

Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
His freshman numbers weren’t eye-popping but there is no denying Pryor’s talent. With running back Chris "Beanie" Wells now in the NFL, Pryor will shoulder more responsibility for a Buckeye team that expects to make its third BCS title game appearance in four years. If his high school numbers are any indication, Pryor, who has drawn comparisons to Vince Young, is more than capable of handling the pressure.

Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State
The Cowboys have one of the most dangerous offensive attacks in the country, but will only go as far as Robinson will take them. The dual-threat quarterback tossed 25 touchdowns and added eight scores on the ground last season but will need to be better in big games. In Oklahoma State’s four losses last season, Robinson threw just five touchdowns with four interceptions and was sacked 10 times.

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Michael Crabtree got most of the press, but Bryant was actually the top receiver in the Big 12 last season. At 6-foot-2 and possessing incredible leaping ability and ball skills, Bryant hauled in 19 touchdowns, tied for most in the country with Crabtree, and ranked second in the nation with 1,480 yards while averaging an impressive 17 yards per catch.

Best of the rest:
• Jahvid Best, RB California
• Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
• Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss
• Charles Scott, RB, LSU

Issue 140: August 2009