Nine weeks into the 2023 NCAA football season and the Heisman race still is without a front runner. The top players in betting odds leave a lot to be desired statistically and their teams may be on upset watch the rest of the season.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the trophy, there is still potential for a non-QB to swoop in and take it, with two wide receivers being on the short list of potential candidates.
With no one standing head and shoulders above the crowd, each passing week has the potential to have a significant impact, as one amazing performance can seal the Heisman for a player while a bad one will leave another completely out of the conversation.
UW QB – Michael Penix Jr.
Despite a weird season for the Huskies and nearly being upset for the second week in a row, Penix is putting up his number, and UW is 8-0, two things you cannot take away from. He has indeed slowed down from his historical pace, but in terms of pure numbers, it is hard to find someone like him.
He has completed 68.8% of his passes for 2,945 yards and 24 TDs, but he has thrown six interceptions. After throwing two picks against Arizona State and one against Stanford, his recent ball insecurity might be costing him his chance at the Heisman, especially given the relative efficacy of the other two main Heisman-contending QBs.
That could all change with the Huskies winning out and winning the Pac-12. Bringing a Pac-12 team to the College Football Playoff will surely hope his chances, and as long as he is able to limit interceptions the rest of the way, he is very much in the race for the trophy.
Oregon QB – Bo Nix
Bo Nix warms up his arm prior to taking on the Cougs, Oct. 21, in Eugene, Oregon.
Nix can also get some love in the Heisman race if the Ducks win out and redeem their earlier loss to win the Pac-12 and make the College Football Playoff. Completing 78.3% of his passes for 2,337 yards, 21 TDs and just one interception, his 21-1 TD to INT ratio is unmatched.
The Ducks offense lends itself to his efficiency, allowing him to get the ball out quickly to his playmakers and letting them make plays, but that is not to take away from the QB’s play.
Adding three rushing TDs and having multiple TDs thrown through the air in every game this season, it is difficult to envision a scenario where Nix does not finish as a finalist for the Heisman.
Michigan QB – J.J. McCarthy
The betting favorite to win the trophy, McCarthy has silenced the noise for his best season yet. But, his stats leave a lot to be desired, especially compared to some of the other players from across the nation.
He is completing 78.1% of his passes but has passed for just 1,799 yards, 18 TDs, and three interceptions. The Michigan offense passes the ball significantly less than most other teams, which may very well cost McCarthy the Heisman.
Nix and McCarthy are very comparable to one another, and with Nix leading in completion percentage, yards, TDs, and throwing fewer interceptions, he really only needs to win out to get the Heisman over the Michigan QB.
Ohio State WR – Marvin Harrison Jr
The first non-QB in consideration is the best wideout in the country. Four straight 100-yard games have him firmly in the running for the highest individual honor in college football.
Up to 48 receptions for 889 yards, he has caught eight TDs and is averaging 18.5 yards per reception. Bringing in at least six receptions in each of his past four games, he is on pace for a slightly more productive season than he had in 2022.
Benefiting mostly from no QB breaking out statistically, one or two more double-digit reception games should make Harrison a finalist.
Oregon WR – Troy Franklin
Troy Franklin torts his body to make a leaping catch against WSU, Oct. 21, in Eugene, Oregon.
Nix’s favorite target, Franklin, has put up similar numbers to another wideout on this list. With 52 catches for 867 yards and nine TDs, it is difficult to see a difference in the two players performances.
Franklins had a two-game stretch earlier in the year against Stanford and Colorado, where he brought in 15 receptions for 243 yards and four TDs; four games with that level of production is exactly what he needs right now for the Heisman.
With the Ducks playing Cal, USC, Arizona State and Oregon State the rest of the way, Franklin should be able to get his fair share of additional receptions throughout the rest of the season. It is not out of the question for him to easily get to 80 receptions, 1,300 yards and 12 TDs.
While that still might not be enough to get the Heisman, it is more than a respectable season. If he can somehow get to 15 TDs or put up fantastic yard numbers the rest of the way, it might be time to talk about him like he is a legitimate contender.
