Justin Fields just extended his Heisman lead over Trevor Lawrence without even playing
By John Buhler
Justin Fields may bring the Heisman Trophy back to Ohio State.
With Justin Fields at quarterback, the Ohio State Buckeyes are poised to contend for the national championship and could add another Heisman winner in the process.
Fields is coming off a Heisman finalist campaign the year prior when he helped guide the Buckeyes to a Big Ten championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. While Fields’ is the early betting favorite in the 2020 Heisman Watch, he’s already extending his lead on his top challenger without even playing a game.
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has the second-best odds but his Heisman hopes took a hit on Monday afternoon with the news Justyn Ross requires spinal surgery and is out for the year.
Justin Fields could be the next Ohio State Heisman winner.
Troy Smith became Ohio State’s seventh Heisman winner after leading the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season in 2006 and Fields is looking to be the next to bring a Heisman back to Columbus.
After throwing 41 touchdowns to only three interceptions and adding another 10 scores on the ground, Fields is poised to challenge Dwayne Haskins’ Big Ten touchdown record of 50 touchdown passes set just two years ago.
If Fields is able to lead Ohio State to a road win over Oregon in early September, he’ll extend his lead even further ahead of the Big Ten schedule. Provided he stays healthy and Ohio State does what they are projected to do, Fields could be doing the Heisman pose after beating Michigan.
With the return of receivers Chris Olave who led the team in yards and touchdowns and Garrett Wilson who had five touchdowns and 30 receptions in a promising freshman season.
Though losing a player like Ross for the year is a tough blow for Clemson, it indirectly helps Fields’ Heisman chances and if Ohio State and Clemson meet again in the College Football Playoff, it’ll benefit the Buckeyes there too.
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