Caleb Williams
After coming over to USC along with head coach Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma, Williams showed out in a major way for the Trojans. Although it didn’t result in an appearance in the College Football Playoff, Williams was undoubtedly the best quarterback in the country. He finished with a mind-boggling 42 touchdowns against just five interceptions while throwing for 4,537 yards and completing 66.6% of his passes. Currently +500 at Bodog, the next closest to him is UNC QB Drake Maye at +1400, who we will discuss next.
Drake Maye
Maye is coming off a fantastic first season as the Tar Heels’ starter, winning ACC Player of the Year en route to North Carolina securing a 9-5 record, ultimately losing in the Holiday Bowl to Oregon, 28-27. Maye threw for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns last year which played a huge part in UNC winning their first ACC title in seven years. Maye actually got some Heisman hype at one point in 22’ but a three-game losing skid for the Tar Heels hurt his chances. Expect Maye to build off last season and be a contender for the Heisman and perhaps Williams’ biggest threat.
Michael Penix Jr
Over to the West Coast, Michael Penix Jr of the Washington Huskies is seen as a candidate for the Heisman. He played a crucial part in their success last year after transferring from Indiana where he played for four years. Penix Jr had the chance to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft but instead decided to run it back with UW for his senior campaign. The signal-caller completed 65.3% of his passes for 4,641 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. It was a career year for Penix Jr. Priced at +1400 at most football betting sites, he’s worth a look.
Bo Nix
Nix could’ve declared for the draft as well but clearly believed he could not only develop more with Oregon in 2023, but also help them make a CFP run. He actually had a legitimate chance at winning the Heisman in 2022 however, an injury against Washington changed things drastically. Nix was incredibly accurate last year, completing over 70% of his passes for 3,593 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions for the Ducks. Once he decided to return to Eugene for another season, Nix instantly became a contender for the Heisman.
Marvin Harrison Jr
DeVonta Smith in 2020 was the first non-QB to win the Heisman since Derrick Henry in 2015 but if there was one other skill player to do so in 23’, I’d say it’s Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr, the son of the legendary Marvin Harrison. The Buckeyes star registered 1,157 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns, serving as one of the best pass-catchers for OSU. He’ll be the main man for Ryan Day in the upcoming season and should be on the radar for the Heisman.
