Ladd McConkey Picks Georgia Football Player To Win Heisman Trophy

Former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey is headed into his rookie NFL season with the Los Angeles Chargers. But he's keeping an eye on UGA's quest for a third national championship in four seasons.

That goal rests heavily on the shoulders of senior quarterback Carson Beck, who exceeded expectations in his first season as a starter by leading the Bulldogs to a 13-1 record and narrow College Football Playoff miss. Now he leads the No. 1 team in the country for one final season before entering the NFL draft.

Beck to McConkey served to be a lethal duo at times last season. Despite dealing with nagging injuries throughout the year, McConkey hauled in 30 passes for 478 yards (15.7-yard average) with two scores. The connection between the pair was especially evident when the Bulldogs needed a first down.

McConkey might have had only one season at UGA with Beck at the helm, but he caught plenty of passes from the fourth-year Bulldog during his time in Athens. That's why the No. 32 overall pick didn't hesitate when asked by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about Beck's chances at winning this year's Heisman Trophy.

“If he goes out and does what he’s supposed to do, I don’t see why not,” McConkey said. “Y’all saw it last year. Now he has a whole year under his belt, knows what to expect, played in big games. It’s his to win, I guess.”

Beck will need to play his best in Georgia's marquee matchups to make the Heisman ceremony in New York, something last accomplished by a Bulldog when quarterback Stetson Bennett IV made the trip in 2022.

UGA has no shortage of high-profile opportunities with matchups against No. 4 Texas, No. 5 Alabama and No. 6 Ole Miss, each on the road. The Bulldogs will also open the season against No. 14 Clemson and host No. 15 Tennessee.

FanDuel currently lists Beck at +750 to win the most prestigious award in college football. That is the second-best mark behind Oregon's Dillon Gabriel (+700).

Related: ESPN Names How Georgia Could Lose Season Opener Against Clemson