3 Dark Horse Heisman Contenders From The SEC In 2016

LSU running back Leonard Fournette and Georgia running back Nick Chubb are expected to be the two best players in the SEC next season and head into 2016 as Heisman frontrunners. However, there are a few other players in the SEC that could emerge as stars and compete for the Heisman next year as well. Here are three players that could become dark horse Heisman candidates in 2016:

QB Chad Kelly, Ole Miss Rebels

Say what you will about Ole Miss' inconsistent season in 2015, but Kelly was much better than anticipated. He led the SEC in passing yards (3,740 yards) and total touchdowns (37 - 27 passing, 10 running), but did toss 12 interceptions on the season. For Kelly to take the next step, he has to produce at a more reliable pace instead of the boom-or-bust we've seen from him this year - but his production has been undeniable. If he can limit his mistakes in 2016, he'll be one of the better quarterbacks in the country.

WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama Crimson Tide

Just as Amari Cooper become a Heisman candidate as the focal point of Alabama's offense, Ridley could have a similar season in 2016. He caught 89 passes for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman last year, turning it on after a lackluster first four games of the season. Ridley has impressive speed and supreme catching ability (especially in jump-ball situations) to go along with being an elite route-runner. With the Tide breaking in a new quarterback and running back next year, expect 'Bama to turn to Ridley early and often.

QB Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee Volunteers

Dobbs had a solid season in 2015, passing for 2,291 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 671 yards and 11 more scores, but it was far from the breakout year many expected from him. Now, as he enters his senior year, he's the favorite among the guys on this list to become one of the best players in the country. Dobbs has shown flashes of being one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, and if he can find some sort of consistency this year, he could carry Tennessee to a SEC East title.