There’s shuffling in the top three of our first Heisman watch for November.
1. Bo Nix | Oregon QB | Senior | Last week: 2 (+1)
Bo Nix totaled six touchdowns and had a Houdini-like play in Oregon’s rout of Cal. The ultra-experienced quarterback is playing with supreme confidence, and he’ll look to keep it going when the Ducks host USC this Saturday night.
Season stats:
78.1% | 2,723 PASS YDS | 25 PASS TD | 2 INT
37 CAR | 116 RUSH YDS | 5 RUSH TD | 3.1 AVG
2. Michael Penix Jr. | Washington QB | Senior | Last week: 3 (+1)
Washington’s ground game did a ton of the heavy lifting in the 52-42 win at USC, but Michael Penix Jr. had yet another strong outing with 256 passing yards and two passing touchdowns along with his first rushing score of 2023. Penix’s clutch scrambling touchdown throw to Devin Culp was one of the highlights of the week around the nation.
Season stats:
69.4% | 3,201 PASS YDS | 26 PASS TD | 7 INT
15 CAR | -13 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | -0.9 AVG
3. J.J. McCarthy | Michigan QB | Junior | Last week: 1 (-2)
J.J. McCarthy threw for 335 yards as Michigan blew out Purdue, but he didn’t throw any touchdowns and lost 31 yards rushing due to sacks. The junior quarterback is enjoying an excellent campaign, but he’s behind Nix and Penix after last week. And honestly, the situation with Michigan football might cause some voters not to go with their leader in the Heisman race.
Season stats:
75.7% | 2,134 PASS YDS | 18 PASS TD | 3 INT
37 CAR | 137 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 3.7 AVG
4. Jordan Travis | Florida State QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: 4
Despite no Keon Coleman, Jordan Travis threw for 360 yards and a touchdown while adding another score on the ground to help Florida State defeat Pitt behind a 14-0 second half. Travis and the Seminoles have another good opportunity in front of them when they host Miami this week.
Season stats:
64.4% | 2,469 PASS YDS | 19 PASS TD | 2 INT
64 CAR | 190 RUSH YDS | 7 RUSH TD | 3.0 AVG
5. Jalen Milroe | Alabama QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: NR
With another Heisman contender (Jayden Daniels) on the other side, Jalen Milroe totally dazzled to help Alabama to a 42-28 victory on Saturday night. Milroe ran for 155 yards and four touchdowns and also made key throws to keep drives moving. It’s perhaps an uphill climb to catch other contenders for the Heisman, but don’t count out Milroe if he’s unleashed as a runner moving forward and the Tide push for the SEC crown.
Season stats:
64.8% | 1,836 PASS YDS | 13 PASS TD | 5 INT
97 CAR | 297 RUSH YDS | 9 RUSH TD | 3.1 AVG
Dropped out:
LSU QB Jayden Daniels