Jackson, Love, Mayfield three finalists for 2017 Heisman Trophy

Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, Stanford running back Bryce Love and Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield are this year's Heisman Trophy finalists, according to the Heisman Trust, which made the announcement on ESPN Monday night.

The Heisman is one of the most prestigious awards in sports and the top award in college football.

Jackson is looking for a repeat after winning the trophy last year, hoping to become the second player to win the award two years in a row after Archie Griffin did it in 1974 and 1975. And he's got a good chance at it, throwing for 3,489 yards and making 25 touchdowns this season, according to Sports Illustrated.

Mayfield is a favorite to win, though, leading the Sooners to their third straight Big 12 title. Mayfield broke his own 2016 record this season, setting a Football Bowl Subdivision record for passing efficiency, SI reported. He threw for 4,340 yards with 41 touchdowns, the second highest number of the season.

Love scored 17 touchdowns and was second in the country for rushing with 1,973 yards. He did it mostly with a seriously injured ankle, too.

The Heisman has been awarded to the best college football player dating back to 1935, although the first award was called the DAC Trophy after New York's Downtown Athletic Club. The name of the award was changed to the Heisman Memorial Trophy in 1936 after the death of legendary football coach and DAC athletic director John W. Heisman.

The winner of the 2017 Heisman Trophy will be announced at a ceremony Saturday in New York.

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