2020 Heisman Trophy rankings: Justin Fields, Trevor Lawrence lead top 10 candidates

1. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Justin Fields is the only 2019 Heisman Trophy finalist who will return for the 2020 season — barring a hugely unforeseen turn of events for Young. That alone should make him the favorite to capture the award next season. For good measure though, everything about the Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback suggests that he’ll have a great situation to not just be as good but perhaps even better in his second season as the starter in Columbus.

After transferring from Georgia, Fields earned the starting job in Ryan Day’s first year as head coach and performed with aplomb. Not only did he throw for 2,953 yards while completing 67.5 percent of his passes and throwing for 40 touchdowns and just one interception but he also rushed for 471 yards and 10 touchdowns.

As the season went on in Columbus, it was clear that Day’s already strong faith in his sophomore quarterback grew with each passing game. He put more on his plate and Fields delivered. That bodes well for the signal-caller’s progression and the notion of him bettering his already impressive production from this past season.

While Fields will lose the likes of J.K. Dobbins and K.J. Hill as weapons in the offense, Chris Olave — who emerged as his favorite target — will return. And let’s be real, this is also Ohio State where it’s next-man-up at those positions. On top of that, Day has proven himself as a brilliant offensive mind.

All of that sets the stage for Justin Fields to not just make it back to New York City in 2020 but to actually capture the top individual prize in college football.

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