Ranking every Heisman Trophy winner this century

Heisman Trophy winner No. 6: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma (2017)

For as good as Kyler was, he was just a notch below his predecessor in Lincoln Riley’s offense. Baker Mayfield already had a movie-worthy backstory after walking on at two different schools and earning the starting job but his final season with the Sooners was a campaign for the ages and one of the best Heisman seasons ever.

Yes, Mayfield didn’t have the rushing numbers that Murray did — though he did run for five touchdowns — but he was pristine as a passer. The Oklahoma standout and eventual No. 1 NFL Draft pick threw for 4,627 yards with 43 scores and only six interceptions while also completing 70.5 percent of his passes. He was the heart of a dangerous CFP team, which says all you need to know.

Heisman Trophy winner No. 5: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon (2014)

Much like with Winston earlier in these rankings, the NFL shortcomings might cause some people to forget just how incredible Marcus Mariota was during his time in Eugene. But putting him at No. 5 in these rankings should serve as a reminder that his 2014 season was one of the most incredible runs that we’ve ever seen.

Mariota not only threw for 4,454 yards and 42 touchdowns with just four picks but he also rushed for 770 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was the perfect player for the up-tempo offense and, until the CFP, there was no stopping him with the ball in his hands. He’s an easy inclusion in the top five.

Heisman Trophy winner No. 4: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (2010)

The arrival of Cam Newton at the helm of the Auburn offense took the Tigers from a good SEC team to being the best team in the country, evidenced by the fact that they won a National Championship. But the enigmatic quarterback got his individual hardware for good reason with the numbers he put up.

Newton totaled over 4,300 total yards as he rushed for over 1,400 on the season. He also ended up with 51 total touchdowns on the year, 30 passing, 20 rushing and even one receiving. The Tigers quarterback was a physical force with no match and he proved that week-in and week-out.