1. Baker Mayfield, RS Senior QB- Oklahoma
At this point, Mayfield has a firm grasp of the steering wheel in this Heisman year. Playing against a strong No. 6 TCU squad, Mayfield once again lit up the opposition. On 18 for 27 passing for 333 yards and three touchdowns, Mayfield guided his team to victory and potentially sealed his case for the Heisman.
This Saturday, the Sooners take on the Kansas Jayhawks in what should be an extremely winnable game. Expect another day of quick work for Mayfield and Co.
Trending: Steady
2. Bryce Love, Junior RB- Stanford
In a week when other Heisman hopefuls stumbled, Love once again had a solid day, running through Washington’s top-rated defense for 166 yards and three scores. Moreover, Love is averaging 9.0 yards per rush this season. Without Love, Stanford most likely would not be a top-20 team, so let’s show some love to Love.
Trending: Up
3. Saquon Barkley, Junior RB- Penn State
As impressive as he is as an all-around running back, Barkley is just not putting up the kinds of rushing numbers a back is required to to win the Heisman. In a 35–6 beat down of Rutgers, Barkley gained only 35 yards on the ground, failing to top 2.5 yards per carry for the second time in the last three games.
This week, with his Heisman chances dwindling, Barkley will have a chance to put up good numbers against underwhelming Nebraska. Should Barkley have a good couple of weeks to wrap up the regular season, with some help, he could be back in the conversation for the top spot.
Trending: Down
4. Jonathan Taylor, Freshman RB- Wisconsin
Had it not been for two fumbles on the day, Taylor could have jumped to second or third on this list. Still, Taylor had another solid day, gaining 157 yards on the ground against an extremely talented Iowa defense. Taylor has proven that he can play at an elite level in the tough games, and he will need to continue that trend against a slept-on Michigan defense this Saturday if he wants to be a finalist for this award
Trending: Steady
5. Jalen Hurts, Sophomore QB- Alabama
As hateable as Alabama is, Jalen Hurts deserves to be on this list. Once again, he appears to be guiding Alabama towards another undefeated regular season and playoff berth. He continues to put up strong numbers in what is widely considered the nation’s best conference. There is more to this award than just stats, which is why Hurts cracks the top five. He is the undisputed leader of his team, and it shows with his performance and leadership on the field.
Trending: Up
On the Bubble:
Khalil Tate, QB, Arizona
Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
J.T. Barrett, QB Ohio State
