There are five players heading to New York City as Heisman Trophy finalists this season.
Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers and Oklahoma wide receiver Dede Westbrook were all announced as finalists Monday for college football's most prestigious award.
Jackson is the frontrunner to take home the hardware. The Louisville signal caller threw for 3,390 yards, ran for 1,538 yards and accounted for 51 touchdowns as the Cardinals finished the regular-season 9-3. Louisville will play LSU in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.
Mayfield and Westbrook are the first pair of teammates to be named Heisman finalists since 2005 when USC's Matt Leinhart and Reggie Bush made the trip. Mayfield has 3,669 passing yards and 38 touchdown passes this season for the Sooners while Westbrook recorded 74 catches for 1,465 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Peppers played a number of positions this season for the Wolverines — including offense — but his primary position was outside linebacker. The junior recorded 72 tackles (16.5 for loss), four sacks and one interception.
Watson was a preseason favorite of many and led the Tigers to a 12-1 record this season and a College Football Playoff berth. He finished the regular season with 3,914 passing yards, 524 rushing yards and 43 total touchdowns.
Ohio State has already faced off with three of these finalists having beaten Oklahoma and Michigan this season. The Buckeyes will play their fourth Heisman Trophy finalist of the season in the Fiesta Bowl when they match up with Watson and Clemson.
Ohio State also faced all three Heisman Trophy finalists in 2014 when the Buckeyes played Wisconsin (Melvin Gordon), Alabama (Amari Cooper) and Oregon (Marcus Mariota) in order to end the season.
The winner of the Heisman Trophy will be revealed Saturday night.
