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

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 07: Justin Fields #01 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a touchdown in the Big Ten Championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

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BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 30: LSU Tigers wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) scores a touchdown during a game between the LSU Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies on November 30, 2019, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.. (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

When you look at what Ja’Marr Chase did in his sophomore season with the LSU Tigers, it honestly makes you wonder how the wide receiver didn’t earn a spot alongside his quarterback in New York City as a Heisman finalist. While that may sound like hyperbole to some, it’s truly the case when you consider how dominant he was for the No. 1 ranked team in the College Football Playoff.

Leading the way in the explosive LSU offense, Chase led all FBS wide receivers with 1,498 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. And it’s perhaps even more impressive that he was able to first put up those numbers while only catching 73 passes, showcasing his electric big-play ability, and that he was also able to have the kind of success while playing in the SEC, a league full of high-level defensive backs.

There’s no questioning Chase’s ability after what he put on film in the 2019 season. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound wideout has the ability to score on any play either with terrific long speed or being able to go up and win at the catch-point over defensive backs. It’s safe to say that Chase is going to be the star of the Tigers passing game once again next season.

If there’s one concern about Chase’s Heisman candidacy in the 2020 season, it’s the fact that Joe Burrow will no longer be putting on a helmet in Baton Rouge. However, if Ed Orgeron can find a suitable replacement to continue the offensive renaissance at LSU, then the wide receiver proved his capability to put up elite numbers for a great team.

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