The Heisman Trophy race is taking shape at the midway point of the college football season, and the top of the board has a clear favorite. If I had to pick the top three Heisman candidates right now, I would go with Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, and Missouri running back Jamal Roberts.

The names below Smith could keep shuffling throughout the season. One bad game can sink a candidate, and two monster performances can launch a new one into the spotlight. Here’s how I see the Heisman race right now through six weeks.

Jeremiah Smith is the obvious choice at No. 1

Smith has done some unreal things, and it’s clear he belongs at the top of this list. The star receiver has 48 receptions for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is on pace for 96 receptions, 22 touchdowns, and over 1,800 yards, numbers that would put him in truly rare company for a receiver chasing the Heisman.

Receivers rarely win this award. The voters tend to favor quarterbacks and running backs, and a wideout usually needs a historic season to break through. But Smith is certainly having that kind of season.

He is unguardable and clearly the best player in college football. Defenses know where the ball is going and still can’t stop him. Until someone slows him down, the trophy is rightfully his to lose.

Keelon Russell still belongs in the mix

Russell wasn’t great against Georgia. That performance will stick with some voters, and it’s fair to knock him for it. However, I still think he deserves to stay in the conversation because, frankly, he’s the reason Alabama is winning.

So far this year, Russell has 1,824 total yards and 16 total touchdowns. He has also thrown only two picks while completing 67% of his throws. Those are the numbers of a quarterback who protects the football and keeps the Crimson Tide’s offense on schedule.

Bottom line: this thing isn’t over for Russell. One rough outing against an elite Georgia defense doesn’t erase everything he’s done. I think Russell will bounce back and have several big games before the season ends. If the Crimson Tide keep stacking wins with him leading the way, his name will climb right back up the list.

Jamal Roberts is the new hot hand

Roberts has put together back-to-back 200-yard games and forced his way into the Heisman picture. Roberts has 828 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. A month ago, his name wasn’t anywhere near this conversation. Now, he’s the type of candidate who could ride a hot streak deep into November.

His next test is a big one. If Missouri beats Ole Miss this week and Roberts has another huge game, which is possible against a bad Rebels defense, we can start taking his candidacy a lot more seriously. Three straight dominant performances in SEC play would be tough for voters to ignore.

Clearly, there’s still a lot of football left to play, and a lot can change quickly. Smith has built a sizable lead, but Russell and Roberts have the talent and the platforms to make this a real race. If the Tigers keep winning and Roberts keeps piling up yards, the gap between No. 1 and the rest of the field could shrink fast.