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Simply skipping the 2020 season has been an impressive feat for college football players facing COVID-19 outbreaks on their schedules and the chaos of the schedule.
Of those who have been fortunate enough to play a large sample of games, several stood out from the rest for their performances on the pitch. When the finalists for the Heisman Trophy are announced Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. ET, four of them will be recognized for their competitive efforts.
The Heisman winner will be declared on January 5 in a virtual ceremony. Votes have already been submitted, so bowl performance will not influence the decision.
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith is the favorite for the prize, having amassed 1,511 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns this year.
MORE: Case for and against each Heisman candidate
Here’s a look at the odds, finalists and historical winners of the Heisman Trophy:
Current Heisman Prize 2020 odds
Over the past week, DeVonta Smith and Trevor Lawrence have seen their chances of Heisman increase, while Kyle Trask and Najee Harris have faded. Mac Jones is pretty much the same where he was before the SEC title game.
Below are the updated Heisman Awards 2020 odds.
| Player | Chances |
| DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama) | -180 |
| Mac Jones (QB, Alabama) | +155 |
| Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson) | +1600 |
| Kyle Trask (QB, Florida) | +2700 |
| Najee Harris (RB, Alabama) | +5000 |
Who are the Heisman finalists?
The Heisman finalists will be announced Thursday evening. Alabama Mac Jones’ attacking trio, DeVonta Smith and Najee Harris are expected to be shortlist contenders. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Florida quarterback Kyle Trask are also good candidates.
Alabama defeated Florida last weekend in the SEC Championship game. Clemson knocked down Notre Dame in the CCA Championship game. The Tide and Tigers will be part of the upcoming college football playoffs.
When is the Heisman Trophy awarded?
The 2020 Heisman Trophy will be presented on January 5 at 7 p.m. ET. The award is voted on by members of the college football media across the country. It is the most prestigious individual honor in college football and arguably the most coveted in all amateur sports.
Historic Heisman Trophy Winners
The Heisman Trophy has spread across the country over the past decade, with members from five different conferences claiming the honor. The center of the college football media world can seem like the SEC at times, but three of the last four press vote winners have come from outside this conference.
This year, fans got to see the first wide receiver chosen since 1991.
Here are the last 10 winners of the Heisman Trophy:
| Year | Player | Total votes | Margin of victory |
| 2019 | Joe Burrow, QB, LSU | 2 608 | 1,846 |
| 2018 | Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma | 2 167 | 296 |
| 2017 | Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma | 2398 | 1,098 |
| 2016 | Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville | 2 144 | 620 |
| 2015 | Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama | 1,832 | 293 |
| 2014 | Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon | 2,534 | 1,284 |
| 2013 | Jameis Winston, QB, State of Florida | 2,205 | 1,501 |
| 2012 | Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M | 2,029 | 323 |
| 2011 | Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor | 1,687 | 280 |
| 2010 | Cam Newton, QB, Auburn | 2 263 | 1 184 |
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