Heisman Power Rankings: Mayfield lock to take home trophy
Championship weekend has come to an end, and with it the pack's chances of catching the presumed favorite to take home the award on Dec. 9, Baker Mayfield.
Here's the final edition of the Heisman Power Rankings.
5. Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB - Alabama
Fitzpatrick is one of the favorites to sweep some of college football's most prestigious defensive player awards, and while it's unlikely he gets serious consideration for the Heisman, a non-offensive guy deserves some recognition. The defensive back's versatility and athleticism are elite, and NFL teams will be lining up to snag him in the first round.
4. Saquon Barkley, RB - Penn State
Barkley forced his way into the Heisman landscape by dismantling Nebraska to the tune of 158 yards and three touchdowns, but the early-season favorite wasn't able to force his way any further up after a disappointing outing against Maryland. Still, the star running back's impressive stats, and, maybe more importantly, name recognition will likely be enough to get an invite.
3. Lamar Jackson, QB - Louisville
There's little doubt Jackson will be invited to New York as a finalist, but the dual-threat quarterback has become the forgotten man as Louisville failed to step up around him during the school's biggest games. Jackson's 2017 numbers are comparable to his Heisman-winning stats from last season, and he's actually improved as a passer. But, when it comes to the Heisman, it requires something extraordinary to even contend to repeat.
2. Bryce Love, RB - Stanford
Love never quite looked his usual dominant self as USC edged past Stanford in the Pac-12 title game. The star running back found it tough to break away from USC's quick defense and was limited by an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, but he still managed to put up 125 yards on 22 carries - his 11th 100-yard game in 12 contests. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to keep the gap between him and No. 1 close.
1. Baker Mayfield, QB - Oklahoma
Mayfield all but secured the Heisman Trophy with a strong performance during Oklahoma's destruction of TCU in Saturday's Big 12 championship game. The playmaking quarterback threw for 243 yards and four touchdowns in the blowout win and added a potential Heisman highlight with a 54-yard scamper through the heart of TCU's defense. Mayfield's antics might rub voters the wrong way, but it's nearly impossible to argue that he hasn't been far and away the nation's best player.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)