The Heisman Trophy finalists have been announced, but there may be little doubt about who rises above his two peers Saturday night in New York City.

According to the Associated Press, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon and Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper are the only three finalists for the Heisman. Last year's winner, Jameis Winston, was not even invited as a finalist after he threw 17 interceptions in a season.

Mariota is the third Oregon Ducks football player to be a Heisman finalist, but he is the heavy favorite to take home the honor, which would be a first for the school.

"It is humbling to be considered for an award that I have admired for a very long time," he said in a statement. "I would like to thank my teammates and coaches as I could not have been recognized as a finalist without their help."

Mariota and the Ducks will meet Winston and Florida State in the Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1, which serves as a semifinal for the inaugural College Football Playoff. Cooper will also be in action on Jan. 1, as the Tide will take on Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl semifinal game.

"This will be my first trip to New York City, and I can't put into words how much it means to me and my family," the Alabama wide receiver said in a statement. "I am privileged to have the opportunity to represent our team at the Heisman ceremony. None of this would be possible without my coaches and teammates."

The last time a running back won the Heisman was 2009, when Mark Ingram won the honor, but quarterbacks have won the Heisman the last four years running and 12 times in the last 14 years. Gordon's season was punctuated against Nebraska on Nov. 15 when he rushed for 408 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries.

But Mariota is coming off a season in which he threw for 3,783 yards with a 68 percent completion rate to go along with a 38 touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran for 669 yards and 14 touchdowns while not committing a single fumble.