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Who are the 2017 Heisman Trophy candidates?

By Cody Williams

Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy stands on a podium during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis before the 2016 Heisman Trophy awards ceremony. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy stands on a podium during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis before the 2016 Heisman Trophy awards ceremony. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman finalist Baker Mayfield speaks to the media during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis before the 2016 Heisman Trophy awards ceremony. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman finalist Baker Mayfield speaks to the media during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis before the 2016 Heisman Trophy awards ceremony. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Baker Mayfield, QB – Oklahoma

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback should have been in New York in 2015, but was left out as a finalist due to the way that the voting shook out. However, he rightfully received his invitation following another incredible season. Alongside him was, of course, his No. 1 wide receiver in Dede Westbrook. While Westbrook will be turning pro following his senior season, though, the junior quarterback has already stated that he plans to return to Norman next season. And given two finalist-worthy seasons already being under his belt, he should be in-line for another Heisman run.

Mayfield was the most efficient quarterback in the season with the Sooners, completing a ridiculous 71.2 percent of his passes. His yardage production slipped slightly in comparison to last season as he tossed the leather for 3,669 yards (3,700 last season). However, he did so while throwing 65 fewer attempts in 2016 and while throwing 38 touchdowns, two more than he did in 2015. And you can never discount what Mayfield is able to do with his legs as he also added six scores.

Had Oklahoma as a team (and Mayfield, for that matter) had a better start to 2016, he might’ve been a more serious contender to win it. But with the quarterback returning, he has thoughts of a national championship in mind. If he can keep the Sooners in the running and continue submitting the type of year he did in 2016, no one can deny Mayfield’s candidacy.

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