All signs are pointing to at least starting the 2020 College Football season. This season may indeed look different than any that we’ve ever seen. However, one thing remains the same. And, that is the Heisman Trophy. It is still one of the most prestigious awards in sports today. With that being said, let’s begin to take a look at our 2020 preseason Heisman rankings.
Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence look to be the clear favorites coming into the season. However, running backs Chuba Hubbard, Najee Harris and Travis Etienne could be major players in this season. Or, might we see someone like Sam Howell, Jamie Newman, or Spencer Rattler come from way back and make some noise. But, before that, let’s unveil our 2020 preseason Heisman rankings.
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Note: Ties were broken alphabetically by player’s last name
Top Five Candidates
QB | Ohio State Next Game: TBA
Fields had one of the most efficient seasons in memory in his first year as a Buckeye. Now, he returns as one of the Heisman Trophy favorites as well as one of the national championship favorites. Fields will have an incredible group of weapons at his disposal this season in Columbus.
2019 SEASON |
PASSING |
YDS |
TD |
INT |
CMP% |
RATING |
3,273 |
41 |
3 |
67.2 |
181.4 |
|
|
RUSHING |
YDS |
TD |
YPC |
484 |
10 |
3.5 |
|
QB | Clemson Next Game: TBA
Lawrence has plenty of motivation coming into 2020. He had his worst game as a Tiger against LSU in the national championship game with no touchdowns and completing less than 50% of his passes. Even so, Lawrence is one of the best players in the country this year.
2019 SEASON |
PASSING |
YDS |
TD |
INT |
CMP% |
RATING |
3,665 |
36 |
8 |
65.8 |
166.7 |
|
|
RUSHING |
YDS |
TD |
YPC |
563 |
9 |
5.5 |
|
RB | Oklahoma State Next Game: TBA
Hubbard has made a lot of headlines this offseason. But, it’s more about his riff with head coach Mike Gundy than returning to play football. However, make no mistake that Hubbard is the best running back in college football. And, with the return of Spencer Sanders and Tylen Wallace, Hubbard has a lot of talent surrounding him.
2019 SEASON |
RUSHING |
ATT |
YARDS |
AVG |
TD |
G |
328 |
2,094 |
6.4 |
21 |
13 |
|
|
RECEIVING |
YARDS |
AVG |
TD |
198 |
8.6 |
0 |
|
RB | Alabama Next Game: TBA
It’s been a while since we have seen an Alabama running back in our top five. However, with the Tagovaiola era over in Tuscaloosa, the Tide could get back to their roots. Harris is very capable. He ran for over 1,200 yards last year in a clear pass-first attack. If the Tide make more of a commitment to the running game, Harris could easily see 1,500 yards.
2019 SEASON |
RUSHING |
ATT |
YARDS |
AVG |
TD |
G |
209 |
1,224 |
5.9 |
13 |
13 |
|
|
RECEIVING |
YARDS |
AVG |
TD |
304 |
11.3 |
7 |
|
RB | Clemson Next Game: TBA
Etienne surprised almost everyone in returning for his last season as a Tiger. Etienne could go down as the best running back ever in a Clemson uniform. However, having two Heisman candidates from the same team can be problematic in terms of taking votes away from each other. But, Etienne is clearly one of the best five players in the country.
2019 SEASON |
RUSHING |
ATT |
YARDS |
AVG |
TD |
G |
207 |
1,614 |
7.8 |
19 |
15 |
|
|
RECEIVING |
YARDS |
AVG |
TD |
432 |
11.7 |
4 |
|