Heisman Trophy Watch: Led by Jalen Hurts, quarterbacks continue to dominate the race

Quarterbacks have won the Heisman Trophy every year save three since the turn of the century, and appear poised to have one of their fraternal order claim college football’s top honor once again this season.

With five weeks of games in the rearview mirror, the favorites for the Heisman remain Oklahoma Sooner — Jalen Hurts and current Alabama thrower Tua Tagovailoa. The next two strongest candidates are LSU QB Joe Burrow and Ohio State QB Justin Fields.

If Hurts can outshine his fellow quarterbacks, and claim football’s most-hallowed hardware at the conclusion of the season, it will mark the first time in history one school has produced three consecutive Heisman winners.

UPDATED October 3, 2019

This past Saturday, Hurts lead the No. 6 Sooners to a relatively easy 55-16 win over Texas Tech with 415 passing yards and 70 rushing yards. Hurts 249.9 passer rating is tops in the nation.

2019 Statistical Overview

Tagovailoa didn’t miss a beat against Ole Miss, tossing for a school-record 6 touchdowns while racking up 418 yards in the air.

2019 Statistical Overview

Burrow had the week off after setting a LSU school record with six TDs in the No. 4 Tigers’ 66-38 offensive masterpiece vs Vanderbilt. Burrow has helped LSU score 45 or more points in every game this season thus far.

2019 Statistical Overview

Fields is averaging nearly five touchdowns per game over the first five games of the season. In Ohio State’s blowout road win over Nebraska, he had three passing TDs and another rushing.

2019 Statistical Overview

In pursuit of the four frontrunners in the hunt for the Heisman are Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor and Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger.