Ohio State Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George knows it’s too early to pick a Heisman winner.

He also knows it’s never too early to make a Heisman impression. George did that in 1995 with 212 yards against No. 18 in Washington in Week 2. He raised the stakes with 207 yards — including an iconic 61-yard run — against No. 15 Notre Dame two weeks later.

George sees the same opportunity for Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett to make that statement when No. 3 Ohio State travels to face No. 14 Oklahoma on Saturday.

MORE: Ohio State-Oklahoma keys to victory

“J.T. certainly put up some big numbers in Week 1 and was outstanding against Bowling Green,” George told Sporting News as part of his promotion for the Wendy’s High School Heisman. “This game would definitely put him on that map.”

George was quick to point out Barrett’s Big Ten record of 45 total touchdowns in 2014. Through two games, Barrett totaled 498 passing yards, 85 rushing yards and nine total TDs. He’s playing at a high level.

Now, Barrett has a chance to lead Ohio State to an early-season signature win against Oklahoma and quarterback Baker Mayfield, who finished fourth in the Heisman voting last season.

“With a big game against Oklahoma and a victory you would have to consider him a serious contender,” George said.

George, however, cautioned that it’s still way too early. He likes Louisville’s Lamar Jackson so far, but “Heismans are won in November.” George did that with 314 yards and three total TDs in a November victory against Illinois. That helped pull away from Nebraska’s Tommie Frazier, Florida’s Danny Wuerffel and Northwestern’s Darnell Autry.

That Heisman moment lasts, and George continues to work with the Wendy’s High School Heisman, which recognizes high school student-athletes who have displayed excellence on and off the field. Two-time Heisman Trophy winner and fellow Buckeye Archie Griffin helped start the award.

George got a visit from the two athletes he gave that award to in 1995 at a dinner and a few years ago, and they shared that moment again. That moment also resonates with the former Heisman Trophy winner.

“It's a great deal to have an opportunity to help these kids to highlight academic athletic achievement and how they are affecting communities,” George said. “I definitely support that and champion that. To me, it seems like the perfect marriage.”