- Lamar Jackson- Louisville
Jackson’s stats say it all: 3248 total yards and 38 total TDs. Lamar Jackson came into the season as a guy who wasn’t a well-known player, but this year he has completely controlled the Heisman race. In Jackson’s two toughest games this season, at Clemson and home against Florida State, he totaled 8 TDs – proving his ability to perform even against College Football’s best teams.
2. Jake Browning- Washington
Jake Browning and the Washington Huskies have made a name for themselves. Jake Browning has 32 total TDs with only 3 INT this season. He is possibly the most accurate QB in the nation. In Washington’s toughest game, against Stanford, Jake Browning had 3 TDs and no interceptions. Browning can lead the Huskies all the way to the national championship if his success continues.
3. Dalvin Cook- Florida State
Dalvin Cook is possibly the most dangerous RB in the country. He has 1069 rushing yards, averaging 6 yards a carry. Not too long ago, in week 9, when Florida State played Clemson, Dalvin Cook had 4 TDs and 169 yards, averaging 8.9 yards a carry. Cook often gets overlooked because Florida state has 3 losses, but he has proved that he will not stop contributing to the team until the season is over.
4. Deshaun Watson- Clemson
Deshaun Watson was a Heisman candidate last season, but was beat by Alabama running back Derrick Henry. This season Deshaun has 23 total TDs and 2659 total yards. Deshaun Watson has carried this Clemson team to 8-0, beating Louisville and Florida State. However, many are starting to question his accuracy. Against Louisville, Clemson’s toughest game, he threw 5 TDs but also 3 interceptions. His troubling accuracy has caused his drop down this list.
5. Jabrill Peppers- Michigan
Mr. Versatile, Jabrill Peppers has played 7 different positions this season. Peppers was a safety last year, but then converted to linebacker this season. Peppers has 3.5 sacks, 43 tackles, and 10 tackles for loss this season. On offense, he has 4 TDs and 559 all-purpose yards. Peppers has done it all, dominant in all three phases of the game (returning, offense, and defense). However, this likely won’t be enough to take home any Heisman hardware this season.