Heisman Trophy rankings 2020: Top 5 candidates and 5 darkhorse picks

1. Trevor Lawrence – Clemson quarterback

The Clemson Tigers are the favorite to win the National Championship, partially because of who is under center. Lawrence is the player most analysts have as the number-one overall pick. Despite his dominance of college football, losing just one game in two full seasons, he’s never been a Heisman Trophy finalist. He sees as players like Jalen Hurts and Dwayne Haskins get more recognition than he does.

It only takes once for the Clemson quarterback to see his name synonymous with the greatest trophy in college football. Now that Ohio State looks like they will be postponed, Justin Fields loses his status as favorite to Lawrence. Clemson has a ton of talent up and down their depth chart, but that hasn’t stopped players in the past winning this trophy.

Lawrence’s slow start last season definitely ruined his Heisman chances, but 3,600 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions are nothing to sneeze at. These are phenomenal numbers. His passer rating and completion percentage went up from his freshman to his sophomore year. Those numbers could get even better this season.

Joe Burrow isn’t in his way anymore. Tua Tagovailoa is on the Miami Dolphins, so he’s no longer a hurdle to get to the Heisman. Oklahoma can’t put another different quarterback on the podium this season, can they? It seems like things are opening up for Lawrence. Remember, if he has one good game to start, he might run away from the field.