What does it actually take to spark Heisman buzz in a position most fans usually overlook? While quarterbacks and wide-outs steal the spotlight, one unsung hero has quietly become the backbone of Penn State’s offense. The Nittany Lions, led by James Franklin, sitting at 9-1 and one step closer to playoff glory, owe much of their success to this offensive force. Now, with the praise from a surprising source. The debate is heating up—could this most under-looked candidate crash the Heisman conversation?

On Nov 23, during the ‘College Football Power Hour’ podcast, host Adam Breneman brought Penn State head coach James Franklin into an intriguing discussion. Breneman was unapologetically bold in his high-level praise for this unsung hero. “A lot of your offense revolves around Tyler Warren….I think he should be in the Heisman conversation, at least in the top five of the Heisman conversation for the impact he’s made on one of the best teams in the country,” he said. Highlighting Warren’s elite blocking, game-changing presence in the backfield, and sheer versatility, Breneman couldn’t stop without making the case for Heisman contender. If you know the game, then you know the case’s too clean.

Franklin, clearly a fan of his tight end, doubled down. “He checks every box,” Franklin said. “From a measurement standpoint, from a football IQ standpoint, from a humility standpoint… and he’s also, God forbid, a tight end who blocks.” Standing tall at 6’6 and weighing around 260 pounds, the guy is an absolute monster, jacked to his gills. Warren is a nightmare of a matchup for DBs.

Franklin added, “When you’re running at that size, it doesn’t look that fast, but no one’s catching him. He just checks them all.” With 5 touchdowns and over receiving 900 yards, there’s more to the story than a stat. He does it all and can catch like a receiver. He can block like a seasoned O-line and also run a perfect slant. The man simply does not get flowers for the hustle.

James Franklin’s Penn State’s playoff aspirations

James Franklin’s Penn State currently ranked No.4 in the AP Poll with a record of 9-1, is on the verge of something special. The Nittany Lions, projected to face 11th-seeded Georgia in the first round, have been climbing ranking with a mix of dominance and grit. After a commanding 49-10 victory at Purdue, their playoff dreams seem more real and feel closer than ever before.

The thing with Penn State is that they are not fully battle-tested. They had one of the easiest schedules in the Big 10. Their only loss comes from the Ohio State Game in Week 10. Their path forward won’t be without challenges. And teams like Oregon, Ohio State, and the Texas Longhorns stand in the way. But the Nittany Lions are focused on handling business against Minnesota this weekend. As the season winds down, Penn State’s offensive rhythm, led by key players like Warren, will play a huge role in determining how deep they can make it in the playoffs

For Franklin and his team, the spotlight shines brighter each week. With Playoff hopes within reach and the whisper of Heisman buzz for an unconventional candidate, Penn State is proving that their 2024 season might just be one for the books.