After a wide open race all year, we have a clear Heisman Trophy favorite heading into the final weekend.
1. Caleb Williams | USC QB | Sophomore | Last week: 2 (+1)
In what was arguably a clear two-horse race unless C.J. Stroud or Blake Corum (unfortunately only played a few snaps last week due to his knee injury) had a fantastic showing in “The Game”, but Caleb Williams lit it up on Saturday night in USC’s win over Notre Dame to virtually lock up the Heisman. Williams totaled four touchdowns (three rushing), and he made sensational highlight plays all night. Leading the 11-1 Trojans to a conference title game, Williams can put a cherry on top of things on Friday evening.
Season stats:
65.8% | 3,712 PASS YDS | 34 PASS TD | 3 INT
97 CAR | 351 RUSH YDS | 10 RUSH TD | 3.6 AVG
2. Bo Nix | Oregon QB | Senior | Last week: 1 (-1)
The ankle injury for Bo Nix impacted his dual threat ability, but he threw for 327 yards and two touchdowns in Oregon’s crushing loss in which the Ducks defense gave up 21 fourth-quarter points to rival Oregon State. Nix would’ve had a great shot at the Heisman if his team won and gave him another game in the Pac-12 Championship, but he better get an invite to New York after 42 total touchdowns as a transfer from Auburn.
Season stats:
71.5% | 3,388 PASS YDS | 27 PASS TD | 6 INT
84 CAR | 504 RUSH YDS | 14 RUSH TD | 6.0 AVG
2 REC | 36 REC YDS | 1 REC TD | 18.0 AVG
3. C.J. Stroud | Ohio State QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 3
Michigan has simply been the better team than Ohio State the past two seasons, and the relatively subpar performance from C.J. Stroud and the Buckeyes offense simply makes it difficult for the young quarterback to win the Heisman considering how crowded this year’s field is. Ultimately, Stroud had a more prolific 2021 campaign than this season.
Season stats:
66.2% | 3,340 PASS YDS | 37 PASS TD | 6 INT
35 CAR | 74 RUSH YDS | 2.1 AVG
4. Bryce Young | Alabama QB | Junior | Last week: 5 (+1)
If not for missing some time due to a shoulder injury, Bryce Young probably would be at least at No. 3 in the Heisman race—and you could make the case that he should be up there anyway. Young is simply an awesome player, and he had an excellent performance in the Iron Bowl (343 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 48 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown) in likely his final game in Tuscaloosa.
Season stats:
64.1% | 3,007 PASS YDS | 27 PASS TD | 5 INT
46 CAR | 195 RUSH YDS | 4 RUSH TD | 4.2 AVG
5. Max Duggan | TCU QB | Senior | Last week: NR
Max Duggan was mentioned as someone to keep an eye on last week, and he might be able to secure an invite to New York as a Heisman finalist with a solid outing in the Big 12 Championship this weekend. Duggan’s play has been key in the Horned Frogs winning tight games this season to remain unbeaten.
Season stats:
66.6% | 3,070 PASS YDS | 29 PASS TD | 3 INT
97 CAR | 294 RUSH YDS | 5 RUSH TD | 3.0 AVG
Dropped out:
Michigan RB Blake Corum