When it comes to the Heisman race, a few big-time names stand out such as Johnny Manziel, Jameis Winston or even Marcus Mariota. However, there is one guy who has flown under the radar until now. 
Baylor’s Bryce Petty is on the rise and gaining ground in this race. The redshirt junior quarterback from Midlothian, Texas, has been outstanding so far. Just two years ago, he was Baylor’s third-string quarterback behind Nick Florence and 2011 Heisman winner Robert Griffin III. 
He has patiently waited to show the nation what he can do, and so far this season Petty has thrown for 2,657 yards and accounted for 21 touchdowns. He has also put up eight rushing touchdowns. What is very impressive is that he has only thrown one interception so far this season. Manziel has thrown 11 picks, while Winston has thrown seven. 
Also, the Baylor Bears have rolled all over the competition this year. The Bears have an average winning margin of 45.6 this season, and no other team comes close to that. Baylor ranks second in the nation in total offense. Petty leads the nation in total quarterback rating and yards per pass attempt with an average of 13.2 yards per throw. Some might say the Bears’ schedule is weak and full of “cupcake” teams. To be fair, he has not seen the teams Manziel or Winston has faced, but his stats are remarkable nevertheless. 
The media started to take notice last week with a huge 41-12 win against No. 10 Oklahoma. Petty threw three touchdowns and ran for a pair of touchdowns. The one factor that might hold him back in the race is a limitation of stats based on minutes played. Petty is usually done playing by halftime because of how big of a lead Baylor holds over its opponents. 
People have yet to see what he can do with the ball in his hands in a two-minute drill situation while trailing. Some say the true measure of a quarterback is what he can do when the pressure is on. Still, with four games remaining, he might have to play the whole game in a few of these matchups.  Baylor plays Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, TCU and finishes the season hosting Texas. 
If he keeps up the 332.1 yards per game stat against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, it will be hard for Petty not to be invited to the Heisman ceremony. However, the game against Oklahoma State is where he will end the night either as a real contender or just another quarterback.