Heisman Watch: Week 1

Week 1 of the college football season is in the books. This is where the top five players currently in college football stack up.

Honorable mention(s): Ashton Jeanty and Tetairoa McMillan

They did not break this week’s top five, but kudos to Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty for rushing for 267 yards and six touchdowns last week, and to Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan for hauling in 10 catches for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. These were truly game-breaking performances.

5. Noah Fifita

To deliver such a remarkable performance at receiver like McMillan did, you will need someone special to get him the ball. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita is simply that: special. Fifita has a knack for always keeping his eyes downfield, and displays his insane ability to extend plays with his legs.

This was evident last week, as Fifita threw for 422 yards and four touchdowns on just 19 completions in a 61-39 victory over New Mexico last Saturday. Arizona is going to be a real contender this year, and Fifita and McMillan are a duo primed to remain in the Heisman conversation all season long.

4. Jaxson Dart

It is no secret that the sixth-ranked Mississippi Rebels have a world-class offense. Led by coach Lane Kiffin and Jaxson Dart, they look to stay in that upper echelon of production, similar to their top 20 campaign last season.

Dart had the Rebels offense averaging 39 points and 555 yards per game while playing a tough SEC schedule.

Opening the 2024 schedule with a 76-point shutout victory over Furman is a nice way to keep your name in the Heisman Trophy watchlist. Dart shined as he accounted for over 400 yards of offense and six touchdowns in just the first half.

Furman University does not possess some of the defensive talent that Ole Miss will face against other teams in the SEC, but rest assured Dart and this offense will have long-lasting success this year.

3. Miller Moss

Miller Moss may have had the most shocking performance in all of Week 1 in the entire college football landscape. Traveling to a neutral site to face No. 13-ranked LSU and having to fill the shoes of former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is no easy task.

Yet Moss took complete control of the game and made it look like a 7-on-7 flag football contest.

Moss eclipsed 375 yards passing on 27-of-36 attempts, giving him a 75% completion percentage on the night. Facing a loaded Tigers defense, Moss executed coach Lincoln Riley’s game plan to perfection, and accomplished something that not even the historic Caleb Williams could…beat a ranked SEC opponent.

Watch for Moss to look as smooth as he did in Week 1 over the next couple of months.

2. Jalen Milroe

One of the brightest stars in today’s game, holds the reins to one of the most prestigious programs in the world of collegiate sports. Jalen Milroe, quarterback of the Alabama Crimson Tide, comes in as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy after Week 1.

Milroe only needed to complete seven of his nine attempts on Saturday, throwing for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Pair that with 79 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in a blowout win? You are looking at an excellent opening statement for a serious case for the Heisman Trophy.

1. Shedeur Sanders

Sanders …the most polarizing name in the NCAA right now is the number one player to look out for in this year's Heisman race. Shedeur Sanders currently leads the nation in passing yards per game after his 445-yard, four touchdown performance against FCS powerhouse North Dakota State.

Sanders is the best all-around quarterback in the country and he should remain at the top spot of this list until he hoists the trophy in December.

Joseph Granton is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. to contact him, email jlg6619@psu.edu.