Heisman finalists: Jackson, Watson, Peppers, Mayfield and Westbrook

The finalists for the 82nd Heisman Memorial Trophy are in: Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, Dede Westbrook, Deshaun Watson and Jabrill Peppers form this season’s contenders for the coveted honor.

The Heisman Trophy, awarded to college football’s outstanding player each year, will be awarded to one of the finalists on Saturday at the Downtown Athletic Club in NY.

Jackson beat out Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, also a Heisman finalist, and MI do-everything linebacker Jabrill Peppers for the Maxwell.

Mayfield finished fourth last season, but did not get an invite to Heisman presentation in NY.

A reigning Heisman runner-up, Watson did outduel Jackson in Clemson’s win against the Cardinals during the regular season. By Saturday night, Jackson could be striking the Heisman pose, becoming the first Louisville player to win the award and proving once again that a dominant quarterback will always be a tough man to beat in the balloting.

For a second consecutive season, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson will be heading to Fort Worth in February to be recognized as recipient of the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award. All he managed to do was put up 91 receptions for 1,427 yards and FBS-best 18 touchdowns.

Mayfield leads the nation in passing efficiency, completion percentage and yards per pass attempt.

Mayfield threw for 3,669 yards and 30 touchdown passes in his first season with the Sooners, and has already committed to staying on for his senior year. Westbrook making triple-doubles feel routineJackson, Peppers among Heisman finalistsHow does Thomas’ season-ending injury affect Seahawks?Rondo suspended for verbal altercation with coachsc So which top collegiate star gets your vote?

Watson is holding out hope that he’ll pull out a come-from-behind victory over Jackson, who had been considered the overwhelming favorite until the Cardinals lost their last two games.

The announcement was made on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” show where U-M’s past two Heisman winners – Charles Woodson and Desmond Howard – were on set to announce the finalists. With quarterbacks dominating the field of finalists, it seems likely a quarterback will win the award for the fifth time in the past six years.

Watson finished third in last year’s voting, won by Alabama running back Derrick Henry. “I understand what I’m doing, and my teammates do, too”, he said. He is primarily a linebacker/cornerback, but he played at every offensive skill position and served as a return man.

In the 35 years or so that I’ve been a Heisman voter, I’ve been surprised and/or disappointed a few times, most notably in 1998 when defensive star Charles Woodson of MI tore the thing from the grasp of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning.

Mayfield led college football in total QBR this season. His 37 touchdown passes are a Clemson season record.