Lamar Jackson has been the clear favorite for the Heisman trophy for the majority of the college football season, but after Louisville’s disappointing performances against Houston and in state rival Kentucky, the race has opened up a little.

Jackson still boasts a statline that is dominant compared to the other heisman contenders, as he has 3,390 yards passing following the Houston game and 30 passing touchdowns to go along with his 1,538 yards rushing and 21 rushing touchdowns. These numbers keep him as the favorite, but the voters usually like to see a candidate that wins games at the end of the year, as it is the most important stretch. Losing to a perennial SEC bottom feeder in Kentucky definitely does not help his cause.

One candidate that is right on Jackson’s trail is Clemson standout Quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson was the preseason favorite, but his numbers have not lived up to the high expectations. However, Clemson’s success at the end of the season has brought him back into the heisman conversation, as Louisville has faltered.

The two candidates with the next greatest odds according to ESPN’s heisman watch are members of Oklahoma’s outstanding passing attack in Dede Westbrook and Baker Mayfield. The two have made Oklahoma’s passing offense one of the best in the nation, and have led the Sooners to a strong end of season. The duo has one last chance to make a strong impression on voters as they will face off against Oklahoma State in a battle that will determine who wins the Big 12.

A darkhorse candidate in the heisman race is Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley has been the rock on a Penn State team that appears a year ahead of schedule, and is already racking up the accolades as he was just named the Big Ten offensive player of the year. All year long, defenses have been selling out to slow down Barkley, and in the rare times that they’ve found success, the defense’s focus on stopping the run has allowed quarterback Trace McSorley and the passing offense to flourish.

Another Big 10 superstar to garner Heisman interest is Michigan’s superstar athlete, Jabrill Peppers. Peppers has played virtually every position imaginable outside of the line for the impressive Wolverines, even on both sides of the ball. He specializes as a linebacker on defense, but also can come in as a safety, a corner, or rush off the edge. On offense he can come in as a dynamic wildcat quarterback or play running back or wide receiver. Wherever he is, the defense has to be aware of his big play ability and speed. Peppers is also one of the best returners in the country and will almost certainly be a top 10 pick in the NFL draft should he choose to leave as only a redshirt sophomore.

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Credit: The Morning Call

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