Will this year’s Heisman Trophy race come down to what happens in the Pac-12 Championship Game between Oregon and Washington?
1. Bo Nix | Oregon QB | Senior | Last week: 1
There’s been some unfounded talk that Bo Nix only throws checkdowns in a talented Oregon offense, but don’t pay attention to those people. Nix has made highlight plays, is up to 43 touchdowns, and has the most passing yards in the nation in what’s been a tough Pac-12 this season. He can put a stamp on his Heisman-type season by leading his team to a conference title over Washington this Friday night.
Season stats:
78.6% | 3,906 PASS YDS | 37 PASS TD | 2 INT
47 CAR | 159 RUSH YDS | 6 RUSH TD | 3.4 AVG
2. Jayden Daniels | LSU QB | Senior | Last week: 3 (+1)
If Oregon loses on Friday night and Nix doesn’t totally light it up, Jayden Daniels is in position to take over the top spot and win the prestigious honor. Daniels’ four touchdown through the air in a 42-30 win over Texas A&M brought his total touchdown tally to 50 on the year, and he’s hit nearly 5,000 yards combined passing and rushing for LSU.
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
3. Michael Penix Jr. | Washington QB | Senior | Last week: 2 (-1)
Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies offense came through with a game-winning field goal drive in the Apple Cup, but the lefty quarterback hasn’t been quite as sharp in recent games. He probably needs a massive individual performance and a “Heisman moment” in the Pac-12 title game to have a shot.
Season stats:
65.6% | 3,899 PASS YDS | 32 PASS TD | 8 INT
25 CAR | -14 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | -0.6 AVG
4. Jalen Milroe | Alabama QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 4
Speaking of Heisman moment, Jalen Milroe certainly had his by throwing a dime to the back corner of the end zone on fourth-and-goal from the 31-yard line in the Iron Bowl.
TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA ON 4TH AND A MILE!
UNREAL! pic.twitter.com/rX5XPRsuzV
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 26, 2023
With the SEC Championship versus Georgia to go, Milroe is in a great spot to get an invite to New York, even if he has a very small chance to win it.
Season stats:
66.4% | 2,526 PASS YDS | 21 PASS TD | 6 INT
126 CAR | 439 RUSH YDS | 3.5 AVG | 12 RUSH TD
5. Marvin Harrison Jr. | Ohio State WR | Junior | Last week: 5
You can make a case for LSU’s Malik Nabers to be the top receiver in the Heisman race, but Marvin Harrison Jr. has received the hype all season and figures to be on more ballots. Harrison Jr. caught five passes for 118 yards and a touchdown in a tough loss to Michigan, and he brought his touchdown total to 15 while averaging a tremendous 18.1 yards per reception.
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