The Big Ten conference has been well represented in each of the first two College Football Playoffs with Michigan State earning a spot in 2015 and Ohio State winning it all in 2014. Michigan’s revival under head coach Jim Harbaugh and Iowa’s return to prominence in the Big Ten West has helped make the conference that much more competitive. Looking ahead to 2016, a handful of star players are set to lead the way for those four teams. Here is a look at the four best Heisman candidates from the Big Ten conference looking forward to next season as they should be squarely in the national spotlight come early December.
J.T. Barrett
Ohio State Buckeyes
Barrett is the best returning quarterback in the Big Ten and plays for arguably the best team in the Big Ten, so it’s a pretty easy case for the Buckeyes’ quarterback to be the top Heisman hopeful. Barrett also actually put up Heisman-worthy numbers in 2014 when he registered 3,772 total yards and 45 total touchdowns despite suffering a broken ankle that cost him two games. Barrett finished fifth in Heisman voting that year and while he struggled in 2015, that had more to do with inconsistencies on the offense as a whole and Urban Meyer’s refusal to name him the clear starter. That will change in 2016 with Barrett as the Buckeyes’ unquestioned No. 1. Factor in the loss of running back Ezekiel Elliott and the quarterback play will be that much more important to the Ohio State offense. Barrett has the potential to put up some massive numbers for the Buckeyes this season and he is at the top of the list when it comes to Heisman hopefuls from the Big Ten.
L.J. Scott
Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State has yet to determine its running back rotation for 2016, but Scott led the way for them a year ago and there is every reason to expect him to take another step forward this season. Scott led the Spartans with 699 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman and his numbers should rise following Connor Cook’s graduation. We’ve seen what Sparty’s running backs can do when they’re breaking in quarterbacks. A player like Le’Veon Bell come to mind. Michigan State will need to rely on its rushing attack even more and Scott should be featured as a sophomore back with the potential to put up some monster numbers next season.
Jabrill Peppers
Michigan Wolverines
The Heisman trophy usually goes to the biggest offensive stars and the top quarterbacks in particular, but Peppers hasn’t shied away from comparisons to another Michigan cornerback that won the award: Charles Woodson. Peppers has embraced the comparisons following a tremendous season and he is primed to take another step forward in 2016. Peppers will certainly have to make more impact plays in order to have any chance at all at the Heisman. It’s always tough for defensive players to do enough in terms of stats. However, Harbaugh has already admitted he had some things in mind including using Peppers on offense. His incredible skill set makes him a unique and versatile weapon and if he can make some big plays on offense in addition to continuing to raise the bar on defense he could be a surprise Heisman hopeful.
C.J. Beathard
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes won the Big Ten West division with a perfect 8-0 record in conference play last season and their star quarterback was a big reason for it. Beathard completed 61.6% of his passes for 2,809 yards and 17 touchdowns despite dealing with a sports hernia injury that required offseason surgery. He should be ready for the spring. Consistency will be they key for Iowa’s passing attack in 2016 and if Beathard can continue his development as a senior in 2016, then he could improve both his passing yards and touchdown totals and be a surprise Heisman hopeful out of the Big Ten.
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