"I said it before that if I got invited to New York I would be very excited and grateful for opportunity," Brennan said today. "But I'm not disappointed. It would've been great to go to New York and represent Hawai'i and make a statement there, but we're grateful for the recognition we've been getting and that's just the way it goes."

The Heisman Trophy, given to the nation's top Divsion I college football player, announced the following finalists Wednesday:

— Troy Smith, quarterback of Ohio State who is the heavy favorite to win the award;

— Brady Quinn, quarterback of Notre Dame;

— Darren McFadden, running back of Arkansas.

Brennan said he believes Smith will win.

"I understand and I think everybody in America knows who the Heisman Trophy winner is," Brennan said. "No doubt in my mind Troy Smith has that thing locked up. He's up against two great athletes, two great football players, but the Heisman Trophy is going to the guy who did everything right and no one did everything right other than Troy Smith this year."

Brennan, a junior, led the nation in passing efficiency (182.8), touchdown passes (53), points responsible for (358), total offense (410.85 yards per game) and total passing yards (4,990).