Heisman Watch: Week 3
After a second action packed week in college football, the Heisman trophy race is still up in the air but some front runners are beginning to emerge, many of them being quarterbacks.
While Bryce Young looked to be the favorite going into the season, he will definitely have some fierce competition if he wants to become the first repeat winner of the award since Archie Griffin in 1974-75.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
C.J. Stroud has been electric this year to say the least.
Stroud, who is paired with a wide receiver core that is likely to light up the NFL one day, still holds his own when it comes to Heisman rankings. Stroud has been a close contender with Bryce Young although Young usually has the edge when it comes to the odds.
Stroud had an impressive stat line (351 yards and four touchdowns) against Arkansas State in their blowout win. The pressure will be on for Stroud this weekend to put up a similar stat line as he faces yet another easy opponent;Toledo.
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Bryce Young is looking to make history this season with the Crimson Tide and repeat as a Heisman winner. He has the tools to do it, the question is if he will capitalize?
While many look at this past weekend’s near upset to Texas as a sign that he might not be as good as he was last season, however, in looking at his stat line (213 yards and one touchdown), he wasn’t so much the issue in that game.
Young continues to impress and will more than likely continue to be a safe bet for the Heisman throughout the season.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Caleb Williams is fairly new to the Heisman conversation, or at least the conversation for the favorites of this race. The USC quarterback has continued to show off his talent on the field in blowout wins over both Rice and Stanford to boost the Trojans to 2-0 and ranked No. 7 in the nation.
Williams averages 12 yards a throw and has 590 yards over the first two games. Williams will have his first true test in two weeks against Oregon State where his true potential will be revealed. Expect this prospect to continue rising as the weeks go on.
Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
Stetson Bennett has been one prospect that many can’t quite get a read on. He has played lights out in both games so far this season but it doesn’t seem like he’s met a defense that will truly test his skill like the playoffs last season.
Throwing for 300 or more yards in each game this season is impressive, but it was done against a highly overrated Oregon team and Samford. If Bennett can keep his team within the top four again this season, then he’ll have a legitimate shot at the Heisman.
While there’s still a long way to go in this college football season and many things can change, expect a quarterback-heavy Heisman race this year.
Ethan Ellis is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ece5133@psu.edu.
