Most major programs have played four games already, a full third of the way through the regular season. As the Heisman race starts to really take shape, here are the five players I think have the best chances to take home the most coveted individual award in college football.
Getty Image / Steph Chambers
Most major programs have played four games already, a full third of the way through the regular season. As the Heisman race starts to really take shape, here are the five players I think have the best chances to take home the most coveted individual award in college football based on their performance on the field so far.
5. Kyle McCord, Quarterback, Ohio State
Getty Image / Michael Reaves
Stats: 74-113, 1,055 yds, 6TD 1INT
This name may come as a surprise to some of you, but there’s good logic here. The first-year starter may have his Heisman moment, as he led the Buckeyes on a 65-yard touchdown drive in 1:25 to stun Notre Dame at their place. That’s going to give Ryan Day more confidence in his quarterback. With weapons like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Ekbuga, Julian Fleming, and Cade Stover, expect him to put up big numbers the rest of the year.
4. Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC
Getty Image / Adam Bow
Stats: 75-101, 1200 yds, 15 TD 0 INT
Many will be surprised to see last year’s Heisman Trophy winner this low on the list. Yes, he’s off to an incredible start to the season for the Trojans. But, USC struggled with an awful Arizona State team on Saturday, and I think USC will lose too many games in a rugged PAC 12 and an upcoming game against Notre Dame for Caleb Williams to become the first back-to-back winner of the award since Ohio State’s Archie Griffin in 1974-1975.
3. Michael Penix Jr., Quarterback, Washington
Getty Image / Steph Chambers
Stats: 103-138, 1638 yds, 16 TD 2 INT
Arguably no player has had a better start to his season than Michael Penix Jr. The former Indiana Hoosier had a great year last year and is off to an even better star this year. He’s actually the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at many sportsbooks right now. With dynamic weapons like Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan to throw to, expect him to keep putting up big numbers. The question is, can his defense get enough stops for him to win enough games to have a chance to win the award?
2. Sam Hartman, Quarterback, Notre Dame
Getty Image / Michael Reaves
Stats: 81-115, 1236 yds, 14 TD 0 INT
Yes, the Fighting Irish lost to Ohio State on Saturday in a thriller. But, I don’t think it hurts him all that much. There’s no doubt he’s helped revolutionize the offense in South Bend, and they moved the ball on a really good Buckeye defense for most of the game. With how well Notre Dame played Saturday, I think they can win out and go 11-1. As long as he keeps playing at this level, that’s going to put Sam Hartman in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
1. Quinn Ewers, Quarterback, Texas
Getty Image / Tim Warner
Stats: 72-112, 1,033 yds, 9 TD 0 INT
Everything seems to be falling into place for Quinn Ewers to ride the “Texas is Back” wave all the way to the Heisman Trophy. His outstanding performance against an excellent Alabama defense is going to be a huge feather in his cap, and Texas clearly looks like the cream of the crop in the Big 12. The last two quarterbacks at Texas who led undefeated regular seasons finished second in the Heisman voting. But, Quinn Ewers is going to take it home.