According to the oddsmakers, it appears we have a likely 2023 Heisman Trophy winner—but the voting should be closer than anticipated.
1. Jayden Daniels | LSU QB | Senior | Last week: 2 (+1)
This Heisman race should be a very tight vote, but Jayden Daniels is the massive betting favorite ahead of Saturday. The LSU quarterback totaled 50 touchdowns with nearly 5,000 total yards in 12 games. It’ll be interesting to see if Daniels plays one last time for the Tigers in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Season stats:
72.2% | 3,812 PASS YDS | 40 PASS TD | 4 INT
135 RUSH YDS | 1,134 RUSH YDS | 10 RUSH TD | 8.4 AVG
2. Bo Nix | Oregon QB | Senior | Last week: 1 (-1)
Bo Nix dropping to No. 2 is certainly not an indictment on him, and an easy argument can be made that he should still take it after a strong performance in the Pac-12 Championship Game loss. Nix led the nation in passing yards, threw 40 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions, and had stellar command of the Oregon offense all year.
Season stats:
77.2% | 4,145 PASS YDS | 40 PASS TD | 3 INT
53 CAR | 228 RUSH YDS | 6 RUSH YDS | 4.3 AVG
3. Michael Penix Jr. | Washington QB | Senior | Last week: 3
Overall, despite high moments of slinging the ball around and an unbeaten mark as a team, Michael Penix Jr. was not quite as prolific as the top two over the course of the entire 2023 season. The Huskies quarterback is certainly thrilled that his team will be competing in the College Football Playoff, though, and he’ll get a deserving invite to New York.
Season stats:
65.9% | 4,218 PASS YDS | 33 PASS TD | 9 INT
29 CAR | -18 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | -0.6 AVG
4. Jalen Milroe | Alabama QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 4
A great story of keeping your head down to work hard and persevere, Jalen Milroe went from getting benched early in the season to leading Alabama to a memorable Iron Bowl victory and an SEC title win over powerhouse Georgia. Milroe was patient as a passer and did damage as a runner versus the Bulldogs, and he should be in the top four for Heisman voting and be named a finalist.
Season stats:
65.5% | 2,718 PASS YDS | 23 PASS TD | 6 INT
140 CAR | 468 RUSH YDS | 12 RUSH TD | 3.3 AVG
5. Marvin Harrison Jr. | Ohio State WR | Junior | Last week: 5
Marvin Harrison Jr. had an excellent final college season, and he represents a few options on the outside looking in for the top four, with LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers among them.
Season stats:
67 REC | 1,211 REC YDS | 14 REC TD | 18.1 AVG
2 CAR | 26 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 13.0 AVG