2020 Heisman Watch (Final Rankings)

In one of the craziest, uneven, and difficult-to-judge Heisman Trophy races in history, which player should take home the prestigious award?

 

1. DeVonta Smith | Alabama WR | Senior | Last week: 1

As the arguable favorite heading into conference championship weekend, DeVonta Smith only helped his Heisman candidacy by racking up 15 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns in Alabama’s win over Florida. Smith has had highlight-reel plays all season, and he’s been legitimately uncoverable. The senior receiver—who easily could have left for the NFL after last season yet stayed in school and got even better—is the Heisman Trophy pick.

 

Season stats:

98 REC | 1,511 REC YDS | 17 REC TD | 15.4 AVG

3 CAR | 11 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 3.7 AVG

8 PR | 199 PR YDS | 1 PR TD | 24.9 AVG

 

2. Trevor Lawrence | Clemson QB | Junior | Last week: 4 (+2)

His main concern was winning the game and making it three consecutive Playoff appearances, but Trevor Lawrence also did what he needed to do and put himself in position to win the Heisman after Clemson blew out Notre Dame. Dabo Swinney makes a great point about Lawrence being the best player in the nation—he is sensational, but Smith has also had an outstanding year and didn’t miss time. Furthermore, some in the media are no fans of Dabo for some reason, so voters may not have been swayed.

 

Season stats:

69.2% | 2,753 PASS YDS | 22 PASS TD | 4 INT

58 CAR | 211 RUSH YDS | 7 RUSH TD | 3.6 AVG

 

3. Mac Jones | Alabama QB | Senior | Last week: 2 (-1)

It’s a tough year to separate yourself in the Heisman race, and Mac Jones drops one spot despite lighting Florida up for 418 yards and five touchdowns while the Crimson Tide won the SEC title. Hurting Jones is the fact that he has two legit superstar talents at running back and receiver, so the Heisman voters are likely to knock him slightly because of the help around him and two of those guys being top candidates themselves. But Jones is undoubtedly a more than worthy Heisman finalist that should get some first-place votes.

 

Season stats:

76.5% | 3,739 PASS YDS | 32 PASS TD | 4 INT

26 CAR | -9 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | -0.3 AVG

 

4. Najee Harris | Alabama RB | Senior | Last week: 5 (+1)

Again, tough to separate in this year’s Heisman race—Najee Harris totaled five touchdowns (two rushing, three receiving) in the SEC Championship Game, but it might not be enough for a running back to win the Heisman in today’s game. Harris, who also could have went to the NFL last season but opted to remain in school and improve his game, better be honored as a Heisman finalist.

 

Season stats:

214 CAR | 1,262 RUSH YDS | 24 RUSH TD | 5.9 AVG

32 REC | 316 REC YDS | 3 REC YDS | 9.9 AVG

 

5. Kyle Trask | Florida QB | Senior | Last week: 3 (-2)

Kyle Trask and the Gators fell to Alabama, but it doesn’t take away from the spectacular season Trask had in an all-SEC schedule. Trask threw for 408 yards and three touchdowns, adding another score on the ground, against the Tide. The former backup tossed 43 touchdowns in just 11 games this season. It wouldn’t have been easy, but Trask may have pushed for Joe Burrow’s single-season passing touchdown record if this was a normal year.

 

Season stats:

69.7% | 4,125 PASS YDS | 43 PASS TD | 5 INT

61 CAR | 50 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 0.8 AVG