We have a new No. 1 in our Heisman rankings following a clutch comeback win orchestrated by one of the most exciting players in college football.
1. Shedeur Sanders | Colorado QB | Junior | Last week: 2 (+1)
It wasn’t easy, but Shedeur Sanders led a double-digit comeback and a 98-yard game-tying drive to tie the game in the fourth quarter and eventually win in double overtime against rival Colorado State—throwing for 348 yards and four touchdowns (one interception) in the process. Making the performance even more impressive is that it came without star two-way player Travis Hunter there for most of the game after he left due to a late hit. Sanders said he was thinking “Brady mode,” and he certainly made one of his mentors proud in the victory.
Season stats:
78.7% | 1,251 PASS YDS | 10 PASS TD | 1 INT
25 CAR | -59 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | -2.4 AVG
2. Caleb Williams | USC QB | Junior | Last week: 1 (-1)
Caleb Williams was off last week and could still be at No. 1—but Sanders gets the slight edge after leading the comeback win. We can circle USC vs. Colorado a week from Saturday as a game that should have massive Heisman implications.
Season stats:
78.6% | 878 PASS YDS | 12 PASS TD
12 CAR | 61 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 5.1 AVG
3. Michael Penix Jr. | Washington QB | Senior | Last week: 4 (+1)
East Lansing is no cakewalk environment to play in, but Michael Penix Jr. continues his scorching pace to begin 2023, again throwing for over 400 yards (473 to be exact) and four touchdowns in a blowout win over Michigan State. The experienced signal caller is putting up the numbers, and he’ll have plenty of opportunities in an exciting Pac-12 to continue building his candidacy.
Season stats:
74.3% | 1,332 PASS YDS | 12 PASS TD | 1 INT
3 CAR | 4 RUSH YDS | 2.3 AVG
4. Quinn Ewers | Texas QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 5 (+1)
While it was a step back statistically from the high of the Alabama game, Quinn Ewers tossed a couple more touchdowns and helped Texas separate late versus Wyoming. The top three looks pretty clear at the moment, but several players could have taken these final two spots this week.
Season stats:
60.7% | 740 PASS YDS | 8 PASS TD
13 CAR | 18 RUSH YDS | 2 RUSH TD | 1.4 AVG
5. Sam Hartman | Notre Dame QB | Senior | Last week: NR
Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman gets into the top five ahead of a highly anticipated matchup versus No. 6 Ohio State this Saturday night in South Bend. He’s played in four games compared to three for others, but Hartman’s 13 passing touchdowns currently lead the nation.
Season stats:
71.1% | 1,061 PASS YDS | 13 PASS TD
12 CAR | -7 RUSH YDS | 2 RUSH TD | -0.6 AVG
Dropped out:
Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter