Oklahoma’s new quarterback, Jalen Hurts, appears to be on the second tier of players in the Heisman Trophy race, behind the likes of Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Georgia’s Jake Fromm and Oregon’s Justin Herbert and Texas’ Sam Ehlinger.

ESPN analyst Laura Rutledge, though, believes Hurts will be among the finalists for the prestigious trophy by December when players travel to New York for the ceremony. During a segment on ESPN’s “Get Up” Rutledge explained why Hurts will have a “monster year.”

“A lot has to do with (coach) Lincoln Riley and what he’ll do in this offense with Jalen Hurts,” she said. “Jalen Hurts, obviously we’ve seen the way that he can run. That adds an interesting dynamic. CeeDee Lamb comes back at the wide receiver position, Grant Calcaterra at the tight end position, and also wide receiver. They have so much they can do with him, their defense will be better and I expect Jalen to have a huge year. I’m not saying he’s going to win the Heisman, I think he’s in New York though.”

Oklahoma starts the season against Houston, South Dakota and at UCLA, and the Sooners were picked to win the Big 12. The toughest games, and perhaps the “Heisman moment” opportunities for Hurts, appear to be against Texas, Iowa State and TCU.