The first 2022 Heisman Trophy rankings for November include a bunch of shuffling and a new No. 1.
1. Bo Nix | Oregon QB | Senior | Last week: 4 (+3)
The rise of Oregon quarterback Bo Nix continues after he threw two touchdowns, ran for two touchdowns, and caught a touchdown against Colorado, pulling off an impressive hat trick while leading a Ducks offense that’s on fire. Nix is already up to 36 total touchdowns through nine games this season, and the first game of the year where Georgia completely dominated should not discount Nix’s candidacy too much.
Season stats:
72.3% | 2,495 PASS YDS | 22 PASS TD | 5 INT
69 CAR | 457 RUSH YDS | 13 RUSH TD | 6.6 AVG
2 REC | 36 REC YDS | 1 REC TD | 18.0 AVG
2. Hendon Hooker | Tennessee QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: 1 (-1)
Speaking of struggling against Georgia, Hendon Hooker didn’t have much of a chance with the pressure he was under from the Dawgs all afternoon. Hooker was held out of the end zone, threw an interception, and had just 17 rushing yards (lost yardage on sacks hurting his total there). Still, the veteran quarterback is having an outstanding season and remains squarely in the Heisman mix.
Season stats:
71.0% | 2,533 PASS YDS | 21 PASS TD | 2 INT
91 CAR | 355 RUSH YDS | 4 RUSH TD | 3.9 AVG
3. Caleb Williams | USC QB | Sophomore | Last week: NR
Caleb Williams has five total touchdowns in each of the past three games, and he’s clearly back in the Heisman discussion with a chance to keep rising in the rankings. Williams is up to 28 touchdown passes compared to just one interception this season, along with four additional touchdowns on the ground.
Season stats:
64.4% | 2,742 PASS YDS | 28 PASS TD | 1 INT
72 CAR | 287 RUSH YDS | 4 RUSH TD | 4.0 AVG
4. C.J. Stroud | Ohio State QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 2 (-2)
The weather conditions were not ideal at windy Northwestern, but C.J. Stroud struggled mightily in the Buckeyes’ closer-than-expected victory to remain unbeaten. Stroud was 10/26 for 76 yards, but he did make key plays with his legs and racked up by far a season-high 79 yards rushing.
Season stats:
67.9% | 2,453 PASS YDS | 29 PASS TD | 4 INT
25 CAR | 75 RUSH YDS | 3.0 AVG
5. Bryce Young | Alabama QB | Junior | Last week: 3 (-2)
The early interception in the red zone hurt, and it was an inefficient night overall, but Bryce Young again showed his magician-like ability in leading Alabama to 15 fourth-quarter points of their heartbreaking overtime loss to LSU. Ultimately, Young is probably in a tough spot to win the Heisman given that his team has two losses—adding to the difficulty of voters’ potential hesitancy to crown the second ever two-time winner. SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai also deserves a brief mention here after an insane ten total touchdowns (nine passing) against Houston.
Season stats:
62.9% | 2,234 PASS YDS | 19 PASS TD | 4 INT
30 CAR | 147 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 4.9 AVG
Dropped out:
Pittsburgh RB Israel Abanikanda