The top three in this week’s Heisman watch remains steady.
1. J.J. McCarthy | Michigan QB | Junior | Last week: 1
Consistently hanging around in the top few players in the Heisman odds since the start of the season, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy returns to action this week to face a 2-6 Purdue team he should be able to do damage against. Again, the individual statistics could be much bigger if the Wolverines weren’t blowing everyone out.
Season stats:
78.1% | 1,799 PASS YDS | 18 PASS TD | 3 INT
33 CAR | 168 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 5.1 AVG
2. Bo Nix | Oregon QB | Senior | Last week: 2
The passing numbers (24/31, 248 yards, two touchdowns) weren’t blow-you-away impressive, but Bo Nix was in total command facing a tough Utah defense on the road last week. The super-experienced quarterback also found the end zone on the ground via a zone-read play, and he’s still completing nearly 80 percent of his passes on the year.
Season stats:
78.3% | 2,337 PASS YDS | 21 PASS TD | 1 INT
32 CAR | 113 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 3.5 AVG
3. Michael Penix Jr. | Washington QB | Senior | Last week: 3
Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies found themselves in another closer-than-anticipated game, but this time it was a high-scoring affair at Stanford. Penix threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns (one interception) in the 42-33 victory, and Washington’s overall team success is critical in the Heisman race.
Season stats:
69.0% | 2,945 PASS YDS | 24 PASS TD | 6 INT
4. Jordan Travis | Florida State QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: NR
Jordan Travis totaled 388 yards and four touchdowns as Florida State coasted to a 41-16 win at Wake Forest. As we know, anything can happen any given Saturday, but things set up nicely for Travis and the Seminoles to be playing in their conference championship game next month.
Season stats:
64.8% | 2,109 PASS YDS | 18 PASS TD | 2 INT
57 CAR | 205 RUSH YDS | 6 RUSH TD | 3.6 AVG
5. Jayden Daniels | LSU QB | Senior | Last week: 5
The final couple of spots could come down to a few different combinations—most notably Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Dillon Gabriel, and Jordan Travis. However, it doesn’t feel like Williams—even leading the nation in touchdowns with 34—will be able to repeat given USC’s relative struggles. Daniels is behind only Williams in total touchdowns (30), and he has a big opportunity versus Alabama this Saturday.
Season stats:
73.1% | 2,573 PASS YDS | 25 PASS TD | 3 INT
91 CAR | 521 RUSH YDS | 5 RUSH TD | 5.7 AVG
Dropped out:
Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel