Heisman Trophy Winner Announced: Lamar Jackson, Louisville Cardinals

The coveted Heisman Trophy has been awarded to the Louisville Cardinal’s quarterback, Lamar Jackson. As a sophomore at Louisville, Jackson has dominated the competition and his own stats from his freshman year at the NCAA level. He has almost doubled his passing stats from 2015 passing for 3,390 yards in 2016 and an astounding 30 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 1,538 yards putting him up with some of the best running backs at the college level and adding 21 touchdowns. Jackson has now become the third college player to score over 50 combined touchdowns in a single season. Two other players to also do so are also former Heisman Trophy winners, Tim Tebow (Florida) and Cam Newton (Auburn).

Jackson at 19 years of age has become the youngest player ever to win the Heisman Trophy and the first Louisville student to be awarded the coveted accolade for student athletes competing in all NCAA football divisions. Jackson was an early candidate for the 2016 Heisman Trophy after three blow out wins in the first three matches of the NCAA football season. The Cardinals defeated Charlotte, 70-14, Jackson scoring eight touchdowns (6 passing and 2 rushing) and had a passer rating of 264.5% and a 73% completion rating. The Cardinal’s then went to beat Syracuse 62-28 where Jackson would contribute a passing touchdown and four rushing touchdowns finishing the game with 51.3% completion rating and 143% passer rating and again in their win against Florida St 63-20 with 65% completion rating and 162% passer rating.

Jackson will suit up for the Cardinals again in 2017 as the NFL does not allow for freshman or sophomores to enter the NFL early.