It’s a wide open season for the Heisman Trophy. Let’s see who tops the board this week.

Heisman Rankings

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Marcus Mariota has been the most consistent performer in college football at the most important position. At this point it’s his trophy to lose and there’s no good reason to believe that Mariota and the Ducks will lose their final two games against Oregon State and the Pac 12 title game. If the Ducks win out, Mariota will win the award.

2. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Melvin Gordon broke the NCAA’s single-game rushing record last week that stood for 15 years. Gordon owned the record for one week as Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine shattered it on Saturday. Still, Gordon is having a tremendous season as he set a new record for fewest carries to get to 2,000 rushing yards. Gordon has an outside shot at Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.

3. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State

Although J.T. Barrett’s Ohio State career started off a little rocky with a loss in his second start, he’s bounced back and has performed at a very high level. Barrett has broken the school record for total offense and he has the Buckeyes on the cusp of a Big Ten title and a possible playoff berth.

4. Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

Dak Prescott had a nice bounce-back performance against Vanderbilt, as he accounted for four touchdowns and no turnovers in the Bulldogs 51-0 victory. Prescott still has to overcome the stigma of his poor game on national television against Alabama and he really needs some help with losses by Mariota and Gordon to have any chance at the Heisman.

5. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor

Bryce Petty consistently puts up huge numbers and his Baylor team keeps winning football games. In a quarterback friendly system, Petty would seem to have to put up astronomical, video game type of figures to get an invite to the Heisman and up to this point it hasn’t happened.

Marcus Mariota must keep his numbers up and can’t afford to lose another game. Melvin Gordon has great momentum from his numbers but needs a Mariota loss. J.T. Barrett needs Mariota and Gordon to falter. Dak Prescott needs plenty of help at the top and Bryce Petty has some numbers, but needs some upsets.