Heisman Watch: Week 4

College football is underway as we are anticipating an exciting – and historic – upcoming slate of matchups. Three weeks into the 2023-2024 season, the Heisman race is already starting to take form with high-profile names leading the pack.

The world-renowned Caleb Williams hasn't skipped a beat with the Trojans while Michael Penix Jr. has been on fire in Washington’s air-raid offense. Up north, Sam Hartman and the Irish are making some noise as they surge up the rankings.

Here’s where all the answers lie in the week four Heisman watch power rankings.

The Leader: Michael Penix Jr. – Washington, Quarterback

Coming into the 2023-2024 season, Michael Penix Jr. was a trending name to be a contender in the Heisman race. Three games into the season, Penix Jr. has exceeded those expectations in three dominant wins.

Penix Jr., the former Indiana transfer, has been leading the No. 8 ranked Washington Huskies to a 3-0 performance, and it hasn't been competitive. On Sept. 16, the Huskies lined up against Michigan State on the road and showcased its talents with a 41-7 victory. Penix Jr. diced up the Spartans with 473 yards in the air and four touchdowns.

On the season, the Washington senior has thrown for over 1,300 yards and has connected on 12 touchdowns with one interception.

On Oct. 14, the Huskies will be tested with No. 10 Oregon.

The Runner-Up: Caleb Williams – USC, Quarterback

The generational and unstoppable Caleb Williams finds his name on the Heisman Watch list. Williams has all the stars lined up for him to be the No. 1 overall pick and a franchise quarterback in the NFL. Williams strives for nothing more but to win the Heisman trophy.

The junior gun-slinger from Washington D.C. has led USC to 50+ points in all three matchups this season. Williams connected for 878 air yards and 12 touchdowns, despite being removed from the game early because of the score.

Williams has all the talent in the world and will be looking to lead the Trojans to the promised land.

On the Podium: Sam Hartman – Notre Dame, Quarterback

Notre Dame has struck gold in the transfer portal with the landing of Sam Hartman. Hartman, the former Wake Forest transfer, has been thriving with the Irish early in the season.

Hartman leads Notre Dame into a 4-0 record with a No. 9 national ranking.

The senior is leading the Irish with his patience and poise when under pressure. The Charlotte, N.C. native has launched 13 touchdowns with zero interceptions to show for.

Hartman and the Irish will showcase their national respect in a prime-time matchup with No. 6 Ohio State on Sept. 23.

Jasper Abrahams is a second-year broadcast journalism student. To contact him, please email jpa5778@psu.edu.