The biggest names in college football descend upon New York City on Saturday for the presentation of the 2016 Heisman Trophy.It is the first time since 2013 that there are more than three finalists, as five players are in contention for this year's edition.With all of them representing powerhouse programs, let's take a look at the highlights and odds of winning, courtesy of OddsShark, for each student athlete in the running. Lamar Jackson, QB, LouisvilleOdds:1-40The overwhelming favorite for the Heisman Trophy, Louisville's Lamar Jackson became the most explosive dual-threat quarterback in the country as he carried the Cardinals to an appearance in the Citrus Bowl:He was a scoring machine in the process, starting the year with eight touchdowns in the season opener against Charlotte in a 70-14 win. And while he grabbed plenty of attention because of that, he started making a claim for the Heisman against then-No. 2 Florida State on Sept. 17.In that game, he combined for 362 total yards with five touchdowns as the Cardinals smacked the Seminoles 63-20:He had five games in which he recorded five or more touchdowns and seemingly had the award locked up before two straight losses to Houston and Kentucky.Jackson's two tough games might have closed the gap with the rest of the pack, but he is still expected to take the trophy home. Baker Mayfield, QB, OklahomaOdds:33-1When it comes to a pure passer within a pro-style offense, it doesn't get much better than Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield:Making the most of his connection with wide receiver and big-play threat Dede Westbrook, afellow Heisman candidate,Mayfield averaged over 11 yards per completion with a quarterback rating of 197.8, per ESPN.com.Every candidate needs his Heisman moment, and Mayfield's came against Texas Tech in October when he scorched the Red Raidersfor 545 yards and a school-record seven passing touchdowns:He finished the season strong with nine straight wins, which surely grabs him some momentum if the voters are looking at recent success. Jabrill Peppers, LB, MichiganOdds:50-1The lone candidate who is listed on the defensive side of the ball, Jabrill Peppers has become a well-rounded talent who can turn a game on its head as a linebacker, on special teams and sometimes even on offense:Peppers is a supreme athlete who can throw the body around and outrun most players on the field, which provides the raw materials needed for any successful college football player:However, while Peppers was a contributor all over the field, he was not as dominant as the other Heisman candidates at their respective positions.That's why he is one of the long shots to win the award. Deshaun Watson, QB, ClemsonOdds:10-1A returning Heisman finalist from last year, it's been a different kind of season for Watson in 2016, as he relied more on his arm and less on his legs:Watson has become more of a pro-style passer in 2016, using his running ability as a way to extend the play rather than relying on it as a secondary form of offense.It's seen him develop into one of the top passers in the country while leading Clemson to a second straight appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals. That kind of solid play down the stretchis closing the gap between him and Jackson:While his 15 interceptions, which are tied for third-most in the country, could be a blemish on his resume, Watson attempted 487 passes this season and still held a quarterback rating of 154. That should dispel any doubt that he is deserving to be in contention for the award. Dede Westbrook, WR, OklahomaOdds:N/AThere is little doubt that Westbrook is the best wide receiver in the country after his work with Mayfield at Oklahoma while within a Power Five conference:He was able to put up those kinds of numbers with just 74 receptions, which doesn't even rank in the top 20 in the FBS.In eight of his last nine games, he posted over 100 receiving yards and broke the 200-yard plateau twice.That included a school-record 232 yards against Texas in October:But with the man who supplies Westbrook with his targets also in the running for the award, it would be difficult to put him over Mayfield, let alone the rest of the field. Stats courtesy of ESPN.com unless noted otherwise.
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