The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious award a college football player can win. This award recognizes the best college football player across the nation, and awards them the 13.5 inch tall and 45 pound trophy. Some of the greatest NFL players won the Heisman in college such as Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders out of Oklahoma and Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers. As this year’s college football season nears the finish line, the Heisman trophy announced it’s finalists. Joe Burrow, quarterback of LSU, Justin Fields, quarterback of Ohio State, Chase Young, defensive end of Ohio State, and Jalen Hurts, quarterback of Oklahoma, were named the four contenders for the Heisman. 

Joe Burrow (QB, LSU)

After being the backup for Georgia for many years, Joe Burrow decided to transfer to LSU where he would be the starting quarterback. This year, as a senior, Burrow put up insane statistics, as well as leading his team to an undefeated season, an SEC championship, and the #1 seed in the college football playoffs. Burrow led the league in touchdowns, throwing 48, and he was second in passing yards at just over 4,000. On the season, Burrow only threw 6 interceptions. As the projected #1 pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Burrow was the clear favorite to win the Heisman trophy. However, as many have seen in previous years, the Heisman trophy is not predictable.

Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State)

Ohio State’s undefeated season is thanks to their outstanding quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields was awarded the starting job under a new head coach in Columbus. He took advantage of this opportunity, throwing for 40 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. Ohio State finished the season undefeated and was awarded the #2 seed in the college football playoffs. In the Big 10 championship game, Fields led Ohio State to a comeback win over Wisconsin, throwing for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns. This impeccable performance earned him the Big 10 championship MVP. Fields is another great option for the Heisman trophy after a remarkable season. 

Chase Young (DE, Ohio State)

It is very rare for a defensive player to win the Heisman trophy, yet alone be named a finalist. In the history of the Heisman trophy, which dates back 85 years, only one defensive player ever won the award. That being said, Chase Young even being named a finalist is very impressive. Young is a very talented player who quarterback’s hate to see across the line. He makes their job very difficult as he is able to burst pass the offensive linemen and make a leap for the quarterback. This season he recorded 16.5 sacks and forced 6 fumbles. Even being suspended for 2 games in the middle of the season was unable to slow down Young, as he came of the suspension even better than he was before. A consensus top 5 pick in the upcoming NFL draft makes Young a Heisman finalist that will be hard to resist voting for. 

Jalen Hurts (QB, Oklahoma)

When Jalen Hurts lost his job in the championship game 2 years ago at Alabama, he was forced to sit the next season on the sidelines as he watched Tua Tagovailoa lead the Crimson Tide. At the end of the 2018 season, Hurts announced he would transfer to the Sooners of Oklahoma. Being granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA meant Hurts would be able to play as soon as he arrived in Norman. Hurts’ unique ability to throw the ball as well as run makes him a great threat to opposing teams. Hurts threw for 32 touchdowns this season, and added another 18 on the ground. Hurts even caught a touchdown pass this season, which makes his touchdown total 51. Oklahoma won the Big 12 championship and was awarded the #4 seed in the college football playoffs after a one loss season is due to the outstanding play of Jalen Hurts. 

The Results Are In… 

  Joe Burrow out of LSU was named the 2019 Heisman trophy winner! Burrow did this in record-breaking fashion, winning by a fascinating 1,846 points, the highest win margin in Heisman history. Burrow also appeared on the most ballots in history and recorded the highest percentage of first place votes in the history of the award. When asked about winning the award, Burrow explained that “when [he] envisioned [himself] playing football, [he] dreamed of being on that stage and playing for a No. 1 team. So this is a dream come true.”