JT Barrett is already the most decorated quarterback statistically at Ohio State, but he is missing one thing in his storied collegiate career.
Ohio State has seven Heisman Trophy awards in program history. Of the seven, only two have been won by quarterbacks. Barrett is looking to join Les Horvath (1944) and Troy Smith (2006) as the lone Buckeye signal-callers to win the award.
Barrett is off to an impressive start this season, already having compiled 19 total touchdowns during the Buckeyes 5-0 start. During their week four matchup against Rutgers, Barrett tossed his 58th career touchdown pass, surpassing Bobby Hoying for the most touchdown passes in school history. The more impressive feat? Barrett has done that in arguably under two full seasons, having sat out the end of the 2015 College Football Playoff run, and the beginning of the 2015 season behind Cardale Jones.
While Barrett was exceptional as a redshirt freshman, when he scored 45 total touchdowns in 12 games, he has an even better chance to bring home the Heisman this season. Here's why:
Weapons
The 2016 Buckeye offense was expected to be young and inexperienced, however this unit has shown exceptional talent. At receiver, 15 different Buckeyes have recorded a reception, and seven of them have touchdowns. Curtis Samuel is leading the Big Ten in all-purpose yards, and Mike Weber is currently second in the Big Ten in rushing. The offense has been consistently effective on the ground, which could continue opening up space for Barrett to throw the ball.
Defense
As weird as it sounds, the Buckeye defense is playing an integral part in Barrett's early Heisman campaign. Ohio State enters week six with the fourth ranked defense nationally in yardage. While they continue to be stingy in yardage allowed, they have also forced 13 turnovers over their first five games. More turnovers forced means Barrett gets the ball more, which usually equates to points.
Schedule
The Big Ten is arguably the best conference in the country heading in to week six, as they currently have four teams in the AP Top 10. Ohio State sits at number two, and their schedule gives Barrett endless opportunities to make his case for the Heisman. With remaining games against Wisconsin (8), Nebraska (10) and Michigan (4), he can defeat three ranked teams. He also will have two tough road games at Penn State and Michigan State, along with possibly a Big Ten Championship Game.
As the midway point of the college football season approaches, Barrett is in the heart of the Heisman race. While Louisville's Lamar Jackson had the most eye-catching start to the season, Barrett has steadily gained ground on Jackson. Watch for Barrett to continue his rise to the top of the college football world.
