Big Ten Football: Top 10 Heisman candidates

Dec 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) drops back to pass against the Boston College Eagles during the first quarter in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Many may argue that Christian Hackenberg is the top quarterback in the conference, but most of the hype behind the Penn State quarterback is his high rating out of high school — he was ranked the No. 13 overall player and the No. 2 quarterback in the country in the 2013 class, according to 247Sports.

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In my opinion, he has a serious chance to be the best quarterback, but he has yet to really prove himself in his two seasons as the Penn State starter.

Right now, he’s the third-best quarterback in the Big Ten and with someone like DaeSean Hamilton to throw to, he has a chance to move up this list.

During his sophomore season in 2014, he took a bit of a step back from his freshman season. He passed for 2,977 yards, 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions and completing just 55 percent of his passes. It was his touchdown-to-interception ratio that really had people worried last season, but his offensive line was horrendous, giving up 44 sacks on the QB.

Hackenberg will need to improve his accuracy and decision making, as long as his line improves, in order to be a serious Heisman contender.

In two season with the Nittany Lions, he has passed for nearly 6,000 yards and 32 touchdowns, but he has an eye-opening 25 interceptions.

Next: 3. J.T. Barrett, Ohio State