1. Baker Mayfield, Redshirt Senior QB- Oklahoma
In the game known as “Bedlam,” Baker Mayfield showed that he is the top dog for the Heisman this year. With 598 yards passing and five touchdowns, he proved that he was virtually unstoppable. On a day where his defense was not there to back him up, Mayfield proved that he has the willpower of a Heisman winner needed to carry his team to a victory. While I still believe that Mayfield plays in a conference full of weak defenses, the way he has beat down on defenses in the Big 12 is not humane by any standards (including PETA’s).
It is likely that Mayfield will once again have to carry his team to victory next week as the Horned Frogs of TCU head into Norman. Should Baker have another dominating day, he could find himself in the driver’s seat heading forward.
Trending: Up
2. Saquon Barkley, Junior RB- Penn State
In another losing effort, Barkley did all he could to give his team the win, but once again it was a tough day sledding against a stout Spartan defense. With only 63 yards on the ground, and 33 more receiving, with no touchdowns, Barkley lost his hold on the number one spot. However, Barkley will have ample opportunity to get himself back into contention in the coming weeks with games against Rutgers, Nebraska and Maryland.
Trending: Down
3. J.T. Barrett, Redshirt Senior QB- Ohio State
It was a rough week for Barrett, who had a total QBR of 33.2 against a sound Iowa defense. With only 208 yards on 18-of-34 passing, along with four interceptions, Barrett hurt his stock greatly moving forward. Should he want to stay in contention for the award, he will have to re-prove himself the next few weeks with games against Michigan State, Illinois and Michigan to finish off the regular season.
Trending: Down
4. Jonathan Taylor, Freshman RB- Wisconsin
I promise that this is not a biased stance. Even if it was, how can one even deny that Taylor should be in the conversation for the Heisman? The stats don’t lie: With 1185 yards rushing and eleven touchdowns, Taylor has shown that he is a premier running back in the country. Should his outstanding play continue as his opposition gets tougher (Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota) we will see truly how good Taylor is, or isn’t. For now, he deserves this spot.
Trending: Up
5. Bryce Love, Junior RB- Stanford
With Josh Adams going down in the early going for Notre Dame this past week, Love is once again able to hold on to his spot in the top-5. Though it wasn’t an eye-popping day, Love was able to rush for 69 yards and a touchdown against a solid Washington State team. With tough games coming up, notably against Washington and Notre Dame, Love will have a very good chance to show that he belongs with the elite players in the country.
On the bubble:
Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Khalil Tate, QB, Arizona
Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama
