Heisman Forecast: Who still stands as Baker Mayfield’s biggest challengers?

ON THE RISE: Lamar Jackson, Louisville QB
Winning a second trophy was out of the equation for Jackson when the Cardinals fell out of the CFP hunt, but it always seemed a given that the defending winner would wind up in New York for the ceremony. Only one returner that made it through a full season healthy wasn’t invited — Florida State’s Jameis Winston in 2014 — making Jackson a given. But his stars are backing it up as he’s now the first QB in history with consecutive seasons of 3,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing, and he has a chance to get Louisville to eight wins with victories over Syracuse and Kentucky.

ON THE RISE: Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin RB
Sitting on 1,525 yards on the season — which is third in FBS behind Love’s 1,622 and San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny with 1,602 yards — Taylor has an opportunity to boost his resume against the best rush defense he’s seen on the season with Michigan. The now 24th-ranked Wolverines are allowing 110.3 yards per game and 3.27 per carry and haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher since Saquon Barkley got to them for 108 and two touchdowns on Oct. 21. Will it be enough to generate some late buzz? Should Taylor have a big day and keep the Badgers on track for an undefeated season, his profile should rise.

ON THE RISE: Kerryon Johnson, Auburn RB

FALL GUYS: Josh Adams, Norte Dame RB
