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The finalists for the 2012 Heisman Trophy were announced late Monday afternoon.
The finalists are:
- Collin Klein, Kansas State
- Manti Te'o, Notre Dame
- Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
Manziel is the favorite to win college football's most prestigious award. This season he threw for 3,419 yards, 24 passing TDs, finished second in the SEC with 1,181 rushing yards and scored 19 rushing TDs. Manziel and Texas A&M will play Oklahoma in the AT&T Cotton Bowl.
Klein was the front-runner for most of the season, but his chances were hurt when the Wildcats lost to Baylor. He completed 180 of 272 passes for 2,485 yards with 15 passing touchdowns and just seven interceptions for K-State.
The Wildcats won a share of the Big 12 for the first time since 2003 and will face Oregon in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
Te'o finished the regular season with 103 tackles, seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries as part of the nation's top scoring defense. The Fighting Irish will play Alabama for the national title on Jan. 7.
No matter who wins, this year's Heisman will make history. Klein would become the first Wildcat to win, Manziel would be the first freshman and Te'o would be the first linebacker and only the second defensive player ever to win the coveted trophy.
The winner will be announced Saturday, Dec. 8 in New York City. There are only three finalists this year, instead of the traditional five.
There are 928 Heisman voters this year. Here's how they break down:
- 870 journalists (including Eyewitness Sports Director Bruce Haertl)
- All living Heisman winners (57 currently)
- 1 fan vote
Ballots went out to voters the week of November 11. The ballots include a space for voters to designate three individuals for the Heisman Trophy. The first choice on an elector's ballot receives three points in the overall voting tabulation, the second choice receives two points and the third choice receives one point.
Ballots are void unless signed. A first, second and third choice must be indicated on each ballot. The Heisman Committee created the point system in an effort to eliminate any sectional favoritism.
Eyewitness Sports Director Bruce Haertl will be in New York for the ceremony. Look for reports on Eyewitness Newscasts and at KWCH.com.