Alabama’s AJ McCarron celebrates during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in College Station, Texas.
In this Nov. 30, 2013, file photo, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston warms up before an NCAA college football game against Florida in Gainesville, Fla.
Auburn running back Tre Mason (21) carries past Arkansas linebacker Braylon Mitchell (34) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark.NEW YORK – Florida State’s Jameis Winston, Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch, Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel, Alabama’s AJ McCarron, Auburn’s Tre Mason and Boston College’s Andre Williams were chosen Monday as the finalists for the Heisman Trophy.
Six finalists invited to ceremony in New York are the most since 1994. The winner will be announced Saturday.
Winston is the overwhelming favorite to win the award Saturday night in New York now that a sexual assault complaint against him in Tallahassee, Fla., has been closed without charges being filed. He could also become the second freshman to win the award.
Manziel was the first last year. The Aggies quarterback is trying to join another exclusive Heisman club by becoming the second player to win the award twice. Ohio State’s Archie Griffin won the award in 1974 and ’75.
Lynch led No. 24 Northern Illinois (12-1) to within a victory of a BCS bid and has set the major college record for yards rushing for a quarterback this season with 1,815. He also tweeted that he was a finalist about five minutes before the official announcement was made on ESPN by former winner Danny Wuerffel.