The Heisman field is wide open with three contenders tied at the top this week. Beyond that group, several others built a case through eight weeks and now possess a platform to build on that over the remainder of the season.

Others considered: QB Trace McSorley (Penn State), RB Derrius Guice (LSU), QB Josh Rosen (UCLA), RB Rashaad Penny (San Diego State), and QB Luke Falk (Washington State)

10. RB J.K. Dobbins [Last Week: NR] (Ohio State)—Barrett has a stronger candidacy, but could it be Dobbins who emerges this week against PSU?

9. QB Lamar Jackson [Last Week: NR] (Louisville)—The reigning Heisman is not much of a factor, but he is still the toughest player in CFB to defend. He had 178 rushing yards against FSU.

8. RB Nick Chubb [Last Week: #8] (Georgia)—Georgia was off this week.

7. QB JT Barrett [Last Week: #6] (Ohio State)— Barrett was off this week, but he could become a major factor if he can lead the Buckeyes to a win over Penn State.

6. RB Josh Adams [Last Week: NR] (Notre Dame)—The Irish tailback launched his candidacy this weekend against USC with a 191 yard, 3 touchdown performance. So far, ND has not had an overly tough schedule, but that is changing. This will give Adams a chance to either shine or wither- beginning this week against NC State.

5. QB Mason Rudolph [Last Week: #4] (Oklahoma State)—Rudolph guided the Cowboys over Texas despite zero touchdowns in the process.

4. RB Jonathan Taylor [Last Week: #5] (Wisconsin)— It was not his most impressive outing, but Taylor eclipsed the 1000 yard mark and has 7.5 ypc on the season. He is definitely a darkhorse.

T-1. RB Saquon Barkley [Last Week: #3] (Penn State)—In a great week for his candidacy, Barkley had 161 yards on offense on just 18 touches with 3 TDs. The running back has his team poised for a playoff berth and will be on a big stage this week in Columbus.

T-1. QB Baker Mayfield [Last Week #2] (Oklahoma)— An interception can be overlooked this week as Mayfield led his team to another late rally. 410 yards passing on a 78% completion rate was another efficient and impressive outing.

T-1. RB Bryce Love [Last Week: #1] (Stanford)—After a bye week, I take Love off a sole hold on the top spot. He is, however, having the most impressive individual season. It’s the other factors that make this a race.