Post-Week 12 Heisman Trophy Watch: Melvin Gordon, Amari Cooper Rise

Nov 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker De

4. J.T. Barrett, Quarterback, Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1, 6-0 in Big Ten)

Last Game: 15-of-25 (60%) for 200 Yards, 17 Carries for 189 Yards (11.1 YPC), 4 Total Touchdowns, 1 Interceptions (Defeated Minnesota Golden Gophers 31-24)

Season: 165-of-258 (64%) for 2,356 Yards, 136 Carries for 771 Yards (5.7 YPC), 38 Touchdowns, 8 Interceptions

We can’t ignore it anymore. J.T. Barrett is turning into a superstar and the next great Urban Meyer quarterback. If he keeps playing the way he’s been playing, don’t be surprised if he shoots to the top of this Heisman list.

Barrett is a freshman who had a little bit of a rough start to the season, but he has clearly figured it out. And he might be better than Braxton Miller going into next season.

Sticking with this season though, what big game has Barrett not shown up in? His dominance of Michigan State and Minnesota in back to back weeks should be more than enough to vault him into significant Heisman Trophy discussion, and he has willed Ohio State back into the College Football Playoff race as well. So knowing that, we can’t ignore him.

With 38 total touchdowns already as a freshman, Barrett is approaching Tim Tebow-level college greatness under Meyer. And there’s no reason to bet against him going forward. Ohio State is at least a lock to play in the Big Ten Championship game, and Barrett is the reason for that.

His numbers and efficiency combined with that have put him in the Top 5 of our Heisman Trophy race, and he keeps climbing.

Next: No. 3 Ranked Heisman Trophy Candidate