Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield ran away with the 2017 Heisman Trophy, putting up huge numbers all year for the College Football Playoff-bound Sooners.

Perhaps next year’s race will be tighter, especially if a few key SEC players step up and have big seasons, which they seem poised to do.

On Monday, ESPN released an early 2018 Heisman watch list, and three SEC players were mentioned. Two of them can probably be guessed easily, but the third name on this list may take some fans by surprise:

  • Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama
  • Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
  • D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

This year, only two SEC players finished in the top-10 spots in the Heisman voting — Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson (ninth) and Georgia LB Roquan Smith (10th).

No SEC players were invited to New York City for this year’s ceremony, but that could change next year if the players above (or some unmentioned players) step up and have big seasons.