Baker Mayfield has reached the pinnacle of individual achievement, winning the 2017 Heisman Trophy. But based on what he said Tuesday about his team’s goal of winning a championship, he’d likely trade the Heisman for a national title if that’s what it cost to win.
As noted by Brooke Pryor of The Oklahoman, if Mayfield is able to win a title this January he’ll be just the seventh Heisman winner to do it since 1993. He’d also be just the fourth quarterback to do it.
“I said it before the season that I didn’t come back to win a Heisman, I came back to win a national championship title,” Mayfield said. “I’m going to enjoy this. I’m not going to downplay the Heisman week. It’s something that’s so special to me. I came back for my senior year to win a national title. That’s right out in front of us. All the goals we set are still right there.”
Mayfield and the Oklahoma Sooners will get two chances to make their dreams come true as one of the four teams in the College Football Playoff. They will get their postseason started on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl against Georgia.
Should the Sooners win, then they’d be facing the winner of the Sugar Bowl matchup between Alabama and Clemson.
“I haven’t won the biggest prize yet,” Mayfield said. “I’ve always been a team guy and it’s right there in front of us. I’ve always believed the most important play is the next one and the most important thing is the next one. I don’t believe I’ve ever arrived or been complacent. For me, the biggest goal is right in front of us. That’s exciting.”
After his final game, whenever it occurs, Mayfield will embark on his next journey, which means moving up a level to the NFL. He’s already committed to playing in the Senior Bowl, which gives the annual talent show a huge boost in exposure. He’s going to be one of the most intriguing prospects to follow because of the way people view him, both physically and due to his “character” issues.
In the meantime, we’ll continue to enjoy him lead the Sooners as far as they can go this winter. Which, if this past season is any indication, is all the way to a title.