1. Lamar Jackson | Louisville QB | Sophomore | Last week: (1)
Louisville had a bye after their battle with Clemson two Saturday’a ago, but the other candidates have a lot of work to do if they are going to catch Jackson. The Cardinals should have no problem with Duke this week.
Season stats:
59.4% | 1,625 YDS | 14 TD | 4 INT
92 ATT | 688 YDS | 7.5 AVG | 14 TD
2. J.T. Barrett | Ohio State QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: (2)
Barrett didn’t have a great game through the air in last week’s win (9/21 for 93 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception), but he had his best day on the ground, as he rushed for 137 yards and 1 touchdown. This Saturday night is a huge game for Ohio State’s season and Barrett’s Heisman hopes, with the Buckeyes traveling to face #8 Wisconsin.
Season stats:
64.2% | 981 YDS | 15 TD | 3 INT
70 ATT | 342 YDS | 4.9 AVG | 4 TD
3. Deshaun Watson | Clemson QB | Junior | Last week: (3)
Somehow, Watson has still not found the end zone on the ground so far this season, after doing so 12 times as a sophomore. He might have to use his legs this week against a 4–1 North Carolina State team. The game is at home, so Clemson should head into a bye still undefeated before facing Florida State.
Season stats:
60.7% | 1,572 YDS | 18 TD | 7 INT
58 ATT | 244 YDS | 4.2 AVG
4. Jabrill Peppers | Michigan LB/DB | Junior | Last week: (4)
Peppers and Michigan don’t play this week, but did you see what they did to Rutgers on Saturday?! The Scarlet Knights had just 22 total yards. Wow.
Season stats:
35 TACKLES (25 SOLO) | 2.5 SACKS
5 ATT / 98 YDS | 3 KR / 95 YDS | 14 PR / 249 YDS / 1 TD
5. Jake Browning | Washington QB | Sophomore | Last week: (OC)
Browning followed Washington’s home victory over Stanford with a road victory over Oregon. The sophomore went 22/28 for 304 yards and 6 touchdowns, also scoring twice on the ground. They put up 70 on the Ducks. Browning will quickly rise up these rankings if he keeps his play up.
Season stats:
72.2% | 1,418 YDS | 23 TD | 2 INT
26 ATT | 48 YDS | 1.8 AVG | 3 TD
. . .
Other candidates:
- Dalvin Cook | Florida State RB | Junior
- Donnel Pumphrey | San Diego State RB | Senior
- Myles Garrett | Texas A&M DE | Junior