Malik Cunningham early 2022 Heisman dark horse

The Louisville football season was a tumultuous one as far as results go. I use that word to describe this season because Louisville football was quite a hot topic just five years ago when that kid from Pompano Beach, Lamar Jackson, was roaming the streets of the Ville. The Cardinals finished 6-6 overall and managed to get a bowl invite to the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl.

Quarterback Malik Cunningham was the straw that stirred the Cardinals ginger ale this season as he amassed much of the offensive production. That is why many college football aficionados have identified Cunningham as a potential Heisman trophy candidate if he continues to electrify on the field next season.

Cunningham ran for 19 touchdowns and and threw for another 18. His speed and agility are what draw many of the comparisons to the former Louisville legend, LJ. The comparisons between he and Lamar Jackson have become more prevalent than a conversation about whose house to eat at first on Christmas this year. However, those are some big shoes to fill and would make him Louisville’s second Heisman trophy winner if he were able to accomplish that feat.

This year’s Heisman trophy winner was Bryce Young. Young will most certainly be the favorite coming into next season. The award typically goes to the best player on generally one of the best teams. If Malik Cunningham can somehow manage to get the Cardinals back to the upper echelon of the ACC, similar to what Kenny Pickett did with Pitt, then he could very well see himself eating Cheesecake with P Diddy in New York next season around this time. Hopefully Santa enjoys his play in November 2022 and brings him an early holiday surprise!