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5 Best College Football Players in 2019 Not Named Heisman Trophy Finalists

By Michael Luciano

Ohio State running back JK Dobbins just missed out on a Heisman Trophy nod
Ohio State running back JK Dobbins just missed out on a Heisman Trophy nod / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Few can really complain about the four finalists in Heisman Trophy voting for the 2019 college football season, as Joe Burrow, Chase Young, Justin Fields, and Jalen Hurts are quite the quartet. However, some of the most dominant players in the country won't make the trip to New York, as these five players all had amazing seasons that would have earned them a trip to NYC in plenty of other years.

5. LSU WR Ja'Marr Chase

Chase was the No. 1 target for Joe Burrow
Chase was the No. 1 target for Joe Burrow / Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Ja'Marr Chase was, without question, the best receiver in the country this season. He led the nation in receiving yards with 1,498 and touchdown catches with 18 while averaging a cool 20.5 yards per catch. It's no coincidence that Burrow's explosion as a quarterback coincided with Chase coming into his own. Just a true sophomore, Chase will almost assuredly end up as the first wide receiver drafted in 2021.

4. Oklahoma State RB Chuba Hubbard

Hubbard dominated in Stillwater, but couldn't make it to New York
Hubbard dominated in Stillwater, but couldn't make it to New York / Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Apparently leading the nation in rushing yards (1,936) and rushing touchdowns (21) isn't enough to get Heisman consideration anymore. Chuba Hubbard's up-and-down Oklahoma State team likely contributed to his lack of national notoriety, but make no mistake -- Hubbard was arguably the best skill player in the country this year, and he well be making plays on Sundays in short order.

3. Ohio State RB JK Dobbins

Apparently two Buckeye finalists was enough for the Heisman voters
Apparently two Buckeye finalists was enough for the Heisman voters / Leon Halip/Getty Images

JK Dobbins was right behind Hubbard as far as stats are concerned (1,829 yards, 20 touchdowns), but he gets the nod over him due to his role on an undefeated Ohio State team. Even when Fields had momentary lapses in his game, Ryan Day could always rely on Dobbins to churn out 150 yards against some of the best defenses in the country. Young and Fields might grab the most highlights, but it's Dobbins who sets the pace of the game.

2. Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence

Lawrence put up better numbers than last year, but missed out on a chance at a Heisman
Lawrence put up better numbers than last year, but missed out on a chance at a Heisman / Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Imagine this: Trevor Lawrence has a higher completion percentage, more yards, more passing touchdowns, more yards per attempt, and a higher passer rating than he did in his legendary freshman season, and has led unbeaten Clemson to a Playoff spot and a chance to defend its national title. Somehow, he STILL wasn't named a Heisman finalist. Lawrence once again made this Clemson machine go, and he's surely feeling miffed over being left off the final Heisman shortlist.

1. Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor

Taylor almost singlehandedly makes the Badgers offense go
Taylor almost singlehandedly makes the Badgers offense go / Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Jack Coan proved to be a notch above the typical Wisconsin quarterbacks, but this team still lives and dies by Jonathan Taylor carrying them on the ground. Taylor set a new career high with 26 total touchdowns (21 on the ground, five in the air), and helped push the Badgers into a Rose Bowl appearance against Oregon. If any non-quarterback deserved to be in New York, it's the record-breaking man in the No. 23 jersey.