Heisman forecast for top 6 contenders entering championship weekend

Justin Fields, Ohio State

Fields’ place in the Heisman discussion feels very much like the Buckeyes and the playoff. Yes, they’ve played just five games, but Ohio State is a CFP threat, and their quarterback remains in the trophy conversation. Fields leads FBS with a 78.1 completion percentage, ranks second in efficiency (196.1) and seventh in total offense (329.2 ypg).

In Ohio State’s last game against a ranked opponent, Fields threw a career-high three interceptions in a narrow win over Indiana, and he’ll need to be at his flawless best to help his chances vs. No. 14 Northwestern and a defense that’s first in FBS in pass efficiency defense (93.26) and allowed the second-fewest points (14.6).

Heisman Forecast: Among that Book/Lawrence/Fields tier of contenders, he seems to have the most to gain from a big final statement, as Fields’ numbers all stack up favorably to the rest of the quarterbacks on a per-game basis. There’s the chance of SEC fatigue on ballots, and Fields is positioned to make a strong case, especially if Alabama has its way with Trask and Florida.

With a Buckeyes’ win, look for Fields to become the first returning finalists since Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson in 2017.

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