Two top Heisman Trophy candidates face off this Saturday afternoon in a Pac-12 battle.
1. Caleb Williams | USC QB | Junior | Last week: 1
Arizona forced triple overtime versus USC, and Caleb Williams didn’t get a ton done through the air throughout the 43-41 victory. But he ran around and made plays with his legs to secure the win, including a tremendous run where he just took over from an unusual formation to evade a defender and get into the end zone for the game-winning two points. A ton is being asked of Williams right now.
Season stats:
71.7% | 1,808 PASS YDS | 22 PASS TD | 1 INT
38 CAR | 124 RUSH YDS | 6 RUSH TD | 3.3 AVG
2. Box Nix | Oregon QB | Senior | Last week: 2
Bo Nix and Oregon had off last week, but the Heisman talk has heated up in recent days ahead of this Saturday’s massive matchup between the Ducks and the Huskies.
Season stats:
80.4% | 1,459 PASS YDS | 15 PASS TD | 1 INT
19 CAR | 87 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 4.6 AVG
3. Michael Penix Jr. | Washington QB | Senior | Last week: 3
Some odds actually have Michael Penix Jr. now over Caleb Williams as the Heisman favorite, but the Oregon-Washington matchup is likely to have a big determination for the Heisman candidacies this time next week. With both Nix and Pennix on the field, the lefty has the benefit of playing at home.
Season stats:
74.7% | 1,999 PASS YDS | 16 PASS TD | 2 INT
8 CAR | 9 RUSH YDS | 1.1 AVG
4. Dillon Gabriel | Oklahoma QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: NR
In the Red River Rivalry, Dillon Gabriel took over on the game-winning touchdown drive to help Oklahoma continue its unbeaten season with one of the biggest victories of the year. Gabriel showed off his dual threat ability, with 285 yards and a touchdown through the air along with 14 carries for 113 rushing yards and another score on the ground. The senior is right behind the three top Pac-12 quarterbacks and squarely in the Heisman mix.
Season stats:
72.3% | 1,878 PASS YDS | 16 PASS TD | 2 INT
43 CAR | 208 RUSH TD | 5 RUSH TD | 4.8 AVG
5. Jordan Travis | Florida State QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: 5
Quinn Ewers should remain in the discussion despite Texas’ loss, and North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is someone to keep an eye on potentially surging over the next couple of months. Jordan Travis threw two more touchdowns while Florida State coasted to a 39-17 win over Virginia Tech.
Season stats:
63.4% | 1,198 PASS YDS | 12 PASS TD | 1 INT
33 CAR | 119 RUSH YDS | 2 RUSH TD | 3.6 AVG
Dropped out:
Texas QB Quinn Ewers