Answer:
OFFICIALLY, you need to be the best football player in the country as determined by the electors. This is a group of 870 sportswriters and 58 former Heisman winners. It’s as simple as that.
UNOFFICIALLY: There are three unspoken factors that influence winning.
Position: While any position can win the Heisman, it usually goes to an offensive player that handles the ball (QB, running back, receiver). In part, this is because scoring and/or passing for TDs is an easy barometer of success. Last year Chase Young, a defensive player from Ohio State was a finalist. Was he the “best” player in the nation? Many offensive lineman might have thought so. But it’s hard to prove from a statistical standpoint. In one game he didn’t have many tackles. Why? He was triple-teamed most of the game. While being triple-teamed is a massive sign of respect, there is no statistical yardstick for an elector to use to say, “He’s the best.”
School: Major football programs have more “eyeballs” watching their games. Hence, their players from major programs have a distinct advantage. Did you know the State of Ohio has TWO exceptional college football programs? Ohio State (Div. I) and Mount Union College (Div. III). What’s their Heisman count? OSU 7, Mount Union 0. Enough said.
Record: It is assumed that the best football player will have an impact on his team beyond his position. While not all Heisman winners concurrently have national championship ring, it is assumed their team was in the hunt for one. That’s why you’ll hear that a Heisman candidate’s chances have been reduced if his team suffers a loss, even if he had nothing to do with the cause of the defeat.
Explanation:
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-criteria-for-winning-the-Heisman-Trophy
Hope this helps.
