Fansided

Heisman Trophy: Top candidate from every Power 5 team in 2019

By Cody Williams

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, IN – NOVEMBER 24: Indiana Hoosier quarterback Peyton Ramsey (12) tries to jump over Purdue Boilermaker Cornerback Kenneth Major (2) during the game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Indiana Hoosiers on November 24, 2018 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Big Ten East

Indiana Hoosiers: Peyton Ramsey, QB

Relatively quietly, Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey threw for over 2,800 yards and 19 touchdowns last season while rushing for five more. If he can take that production up another notch while also reducing his turnovers (13 interceptions last season), he could establish himself as a dark-horse quarterback out of the Big Ten.

Maryland Terrapins: Anthony McFarland, RB

It’s often hard to know what to make of the Maryland Terrapins as they lose games they should win and compete in games where they’re the inferior team. Regardless, it’s easy to know what to make of running back Anthony McFarland. This is an explosive playmaker out of the backfield that has made long runs routine. If that continues, he might be a dark horse to watch for the Terps.

Michigan Wolverines: Shea Patterson, QB

The hype for Shea Patterson taking over the Michigan offense last season was overblown in the end as the results were pedestrian. As Josh Gattis takes over as offensive coordinator, though, this Wolverines passing game could open up immensely and Patterson has proven to be successful in that type of spread system while at Ole Miss. If that translates and with the weapons, Patterson has to target, the recipe is there for him to make a big splash.

Michigan State Spartans: Brian Lewerke, QB

Brian Lewerke admittedly took a massive step back last year from 2017 in terms of his production. However, as an experienced quarterback in what should be a fine offense, you have to give Lewerke the benefit of the doubt that he can rebound and put forth a strong campaign that’s good enough to name him Sparty’s top candidate.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Justin Fields, QB

You could make the case for J.K. Dobbins here, but Justin Fields gets the nod out of Ohio State on this list. While he’s an unknown commodity, for the most part, you’re talking about an elite prospect arriving in Columbus in an offense that has traditionally served dual-threat quarterbacks exceptionally well. The chance for Fields to thrive and put up gaudy numbers is there.

Penn State Nittany Lions: K.J. Hamler, WR

I have my doubts about the Penn State offense given the turnover on the roster in regards to playmakers. K.J. Hamler remains, though, and his explosive talent is undeniable. A wide receiver and return man, the diminutive playmaker has the potential to be an all-purpose monster for the Nittany Lions that dominate the box score for a team that needs a go-to guy.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Artur Sitkowski, QB

Perhaps the longest of the long-shots given just how bad Rutgers has been in recent years, quarterback Artur Sitkowski gets the nod for the Scarlet Knights. He’s the starting quarterback and, if nothing else, that means he’ll have the opportunity to pass his way into contention for the award, even if the talent isn’t there.