Jackson, Mayfield, Watson among 5 Heisman Trophy finalists

Five of college football's best received great news Monday, as the finalists for the 2016 Heisman Trophy were announced.

There was no surprise that the popular favorite, Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, was among the five players invited to Saturday's award presentation. Jackson has set the college football world ablaze since Week 1, and has been arguably a wire-to-wire favorite for the award.

Joining Jackson in New York will be Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Dede Westbrook, and Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers.

This will be Watson's second Heisman finalist weekend, after he, along with Stanford's Christian McCaffrey saw Alabama running back Derrick Henry get the nod last year. The junior gunslinger has thrown for 3,914 yards and 37 touchdowns and led the Tigers to the Fiesta Bowl where they will meet No. 3 Ohio State for the right to play for the national championship.

No. 7 Oklahoma will be represented twice over at this year's Heisman Trophy ceremony, as both Mayfield and Westbrook have been granted an invitation.

Mayfield held strong following a 1-2 start to the season and led the Sooners to a nine-game winning streak and a birth in the Sugar Bowl. Westbrook enjoyed a breakout campaign that has seen him nearly double his output in receiving yards from a year ago.

Lastly, but certainly not least, Peppers of No. 6 Michigan represents the only defensive player invited to this year's ceremony. Peppers' impact on the field for the Wolverines has been one not seen anywhere else in college football this season, seeing Peppers not only play multiple positions on both sides of the ball, but have a positive impact on the game in more ways than one.

The Heisman trophy will be presented Dec. 10 in New York, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.