Matt Barkley has USC football back among college football’s elite. The Trojans, ranked third in the first USA Today preseason poll, will likely benefit from Barkley returning for his senior season, despite being rumored as one of the top picks in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Barkley has been the cover boy for USC football, especially after a stellar 2011 season. Barkley was recently on the cover of both Sports Illustrated and Sports Illustrated for Kids according to Michael Lev of the Orange County Register. The senior quarterback looks to be the Heisman favorite in 2012, especially with a plethora of talent surrounding him at USC. Barkley is also on pace to become USC’s all-time leading passer, after becoming the Trojans starting quarterback in his freshman season.

Outside of Matt Barkley, other college players will look to sneak up and snag the top individual prize in college football. Players like quarterback Denard Robinson from Michigan, quarterback Tyler Wilson from Arkansas and running back Montee Ball from Wisconsin could all challenge Barkley for the Heisman in 2012.

What do you think? Who would you give the preseason Heisman to right now?