The 2023 Heisman Trophy race is shaping up to be an incredibly wild one, with another shift in this week’s rankings.
1. J.J. McCarthy | Michigan QB | Junior | Last week: 3 (+1)
J.J. McCarthy threw four touchdowns to help Michigan dominate, 49-0, at rival Michigan State. The athletic quarterback would be putting up even bigger numbers if his team wasn’t blowing everyone out, and he’s now the betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy while leading an elite squad.
Season stats:
78.1% | 1,799 PASS YDS | 18 PASS TD | 3 INT
33 CAR | 168 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 5.1 AVG
2. Bo Nix | Oregon QB | Senior | Last week: 2
It helps to have running backs Bucky Irving and Jordan James play the way they have, but Bo Nix consistently produces at a high level and puts up big numbers for the Ducks. Nix set the NCAA record for most career starts (54), and his experience is evident when he steps onto the field every Saturday.
Season stats:
78.4% | 2,089 PASS YDS | 19 PASS TD | 1 INT
28 CAR | 105 RUSH YDS | 2 RUSH TD | 3.8 AVG
3. Michael Penix Jr. | Washington QB | Senior | Last week: 1 (-2)
Washington ultimately survived at home versus Arizona State, but Michael Penix Jr.’s Heisman candidacy took a sizable hit after four turnovers and no offensive touchdowns for the Huskies in a 12-7 victory. Still, Penix is having a huge season and has plenty of time to get back atop the Heisman watch.
Season stats:
70.8% | 2,576 PASS YDS | 20 PASS TD | 5 INT
11 CAR | 3 RUSH YDS | 0.3 AVG
4. Dillon Gabriel | Oklahoma QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: 5 (+1)
The run game took over late for Oklahoma, but Dillon Gabriel has made clutch plays all year, including a key late touchdown to Drake Stoops to put the Sooners on top against UCF—Gabriel’s former school. As long as OU keeps winning, Gabriel is going to remain in the Heisman mix.
Season stats:
71.2% | 2,131 PASS YDS | 19 PASS TD | 3 INT
53 CAR | 230 RUSH YDS | 5 RUSH TD | 4.3 AVG
5. Jayden Daniels | LSU QB | Senior | Last week: NR
Caleb Williams drops out of the top five after USC’s second consecutive loss, but Jayden Daniels for fellow two-loss LSU makes it into the top five. Daniels is having an awesome year, with 30 total touchdowns and over 3,000 total yards for the Tigers. LSU is off this week, but Daniels and his team have a huge opportunity in front of them against Alabama on November 4.
Season stats:
73.1% | 2,573 PASS YDS | 25 PASS TD | 3 INT
91 CAR | 521 RUSH YDS | 5 RUSH TD | 5.7 AVG
Dropped out:
USC QB Caleb Williams