‘He Should Have Been in New York’: Former Alabama QB Believes Tennessee Vols Star Was Unfairly Snubbed from Heisman Finalist List
In a strong show of support that has sparked conversations across the college football world, a former Alabama quarterback has expressed his belief that a standout Tennessee Volunteers player was unfairly left out of the Heisman Trophy finalist list. The former Crimson Tide signal-caller didn’t mince words, stating plainly, *“He should have been in New York.”*
While the Heisman Trophy is annually awarded to the most outstanding player in college football, many argue that politics and program prestige often overshadow individual performance. This year, the omission of Tennessee’s quarterback from the final list has drawn sharp criticism from fans, analysts, and now even rivals.
The former Alabama quarterback, who once battled Tennessee on the gridiron, admitted that while rivalry emotions run deep, talent and results speak for themselves.
**“If you look at what that kid did this season—he led his team with poise, put up numbers against top defenses, and showed grit in every single game. There’s no reason he shouldn’t have been in New York,”** he said during a recent podcast appearance.
The player at the center of this debate, Tennessee’s quarterback, had a season that many believed was Heisman-worthy. Leading the Volunteers to one of their strongest records in recent years, he racked up impressive stats—throwing for over 3,500 yards, tallying more than 30 touchdowns, and consistently performing under pressure in some of the SEC’s most hostile environments.
More importantly, his leadership and ability to rally the team in close games turned Tennessee into a serious contender this season. His standout performances in marquee matchups, including a dramatic win over a ranked opponent on the road, only strengthened the argument for his candidacy.
Yet, when the list of Heisman finalists was released, his name was notably absent.
This prompted immediate backlash online, especially among Tennessee fans who believed their quarterback’s body of work clearly merited recognition. The comment from the former Alabama quarterback only added fuel to the fire, as it offered a rare moment of praise across one of the fiercest rivalries in college football.
“This isn’t about school colors,” the ex-Alabama QB continued. “It’s about recognizing elite performance. And that young man had one of the best seasons I’ve seen in a long time.”
Some critics point out that Heisman finalist selections are often influenced by media narratives, regional biases, and team rankings. While Tennessee had a strong season, it didn’t finish undefeated, which may have influenced voters to look elsewhere.
Still, the core of the argument remains: individual excellence should not be overshadowed by team outcomes.
As the Heisman ceremony approaches, the conversation around snubs continues to dominate sports talk shows and social media platforms. Tennessee’s quarterback may not be in New York this weekend, but the respect he’s earned from rivals, teammates, and fans across the country might mean even more.
