Heisman Watch: Week 10
Through nine weeks there is a fairly competitive and deep competition for the Heisman trophy.
Let’s take a look at some of the candidates.
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
The favorite so far has to be Tennesse quarterback Hendon Hooker who has been spectacular this year.
Through eight games, he has 2,338 passing yards on an insane 10.7 yards per attempt as well as 21 passing touchdowns to only one interception. He also has the perfect Heisman moment against Alabama, throwing for 385 yards and five touchdowns, leading Tennessee to their first win against the Crimson Tide since 2006.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
C.J. Stroud was a preseason favorite to win the Heisman and he has not disappointed so far this year, throwing for 2,377 yards with 29 passing touchdowns and four interceptions.
The most crucial factor for Stroud to win the Heisman is to have a big game in the most passionate rivalry in college football, Ohio State versus Michigan, in what could be a potential top-five battle.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
It is an absolute crime that USC quarterback Caleb Williams isn’t talked about more.
The best pro-quarterback prospect in college football has been remarkably impressive this season. throwing for 2,382 yards, 24 touchdowns and only one interception all the while carrying a terrible defense. He is also the best show in college football and should be the Heisman favorite to start next year.
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
With Hassan Haskins going to the NFL, Blake Corum finally got to be the number-one running back after a good year last year and through eight games he has carried the Michigan offense with 1,078 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on six yards per carry.
Just like Stroud, if Corum can have a big game and lead his team to a win over Ohio State then he will skyrocket up the Heisman rankings and may have a shot to win the award.
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Who would’ve thought? Bo Nix is a Heisman candidate.
Oregon has put Nix into a system that fits him perfectly and he is absolutely thriving. Nix is completing 72 percent of his passes with 20 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns. Oregon has been on a tear lately and if he can keep this up, Oregon makes the Pac-12 championship and they end up beating a team like Utah or USC, Nix should certainly be looked at as a Heisman finalist.
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The Tennesse wide reciever has been on an absolute tear this past couple of weeks starting in Week 7 against Alabama where Hyatt had six catches for 207 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
In the past two weeks, he’s reeled in seven catches for 174 yards with two touchdowns and five catches for 138 yards as well as two touchdowns. On the season, he has 907 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns, and averages 20.2 yards per catch. It’s time to give him his respect as a top wideout in college football.
Aaron Jurkowitz is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ahj5136@psu.edu.
