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Heisman Trophy 2016: Power ranking the candidates

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John
Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John /
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Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma 

After just missing out on a finalist nod a year ago, Mayfield put together a terrific 2016 season to send him to New York this time around.

Mayfield began his college career at Texas Tech, where he surprisingly won the starting quarterback job as a walk-on freshman in 2013. Texas Tech decided not to offer Mayfield a scholarship after the season, and he decided to transfer rather than split playing time with Davis Webb and incoming freshman Patrick Mahomes.

The Austin native decided on Oklahoma, even with five scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, including Trevor Knight. After sitting out a year, Mayfield won the starting job in 2015 and led the Sooners all the way to a surprise College Football Playoff appearance with 3,700 passing yards and 45 total touchdowns.

With expectations much higher in 2016, Mayfield was better just about across the board as a passer. Mayfield completed 71.2 percent of his passes for 3,669 yards on 11.1 yards per attempt, with a TD:INT ratio of 38:8.

Oklahoma looked to be well out of the running for the New Year’s Six after dropping two non-conference games, including a beatdown at the hands of Ohio State. The Mayfield-to-Westbrook connection has been untouchable since, helping the Sooners to become arguably the best offense in the nation.

While it’s hard to make a case for Mayfield over Watson or Jackson, a second straight top five finish for a former walk-on is a remarkable accomplishment. Mayfield announced he would return for his senior season and should be in the running for the Heisman once again in 2017.

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