Heisman Watch: Week 9

For the majority of this season, the Heisman race felt like a battle between the two juggernaut quarterbacks in the Pac–12: Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr. Now, following down weeks for both players, the race becomes a lot more interesting as the two-headed monster takes a step back while some familiar names re-insert themselves into the conversation.

Here’s a look at the Heisman favorites this season in Week 9

1.) Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

The Huskies quarterback has been nothing short of spectacular this season despite having his worst showing of the season against the Sun Devils, in which they barely scraped by with a 15-7 win. Penix finished the game with 275 passing yards and two interceptions and it was his second game of the season finishing with no touchdown passes. Despite his performance last game, it’s still due to his efforts all year long the Huskies are the No. 5 team in the country and his individual numbers still jump off the page with 2,576 passing yards and 20 touchdowns on 70% completion percentage.

2.) J.J McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Michigan has been a powerhouse all season long and with J.J McCarthy at the helm playing at the level he’s been at while others have struggled, he’s catapulted into the top two in the Heisman race. Coming off a dominant 49-0 win over Michigan State, McCarthy finished the game with 287 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, he solidified himself as a real candidate for the Heisman at the end of the season. He leads all quarterbacks in QBR at 93.7, is second in completion percentage at 78.1% and has notched 1,799 passing yards and 21 total touchdowns. As long as Michigan stays atop of the rankings, McCarthy has a great chance of winning the Heisman.

3.) Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

If LSU didn’t already have two losses on the season, Jayden Daniels would be the clear-cut favorite for the Heisman Trophy this season. Daniels has a staggering 3,000 total yards and 30 total touchdowns on the season for the Tigers while also having the second-highest QBR in college football. If he can lead No. 15 LSU up the rankings before the season is over, while maintaining this level of elite play then he might be able to overtake those ahead of him.

4.) Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma

The Sooners remain undefeated and ranked No. 6 in the nation this year and Dillon Gabriel has been a major contributor to Oklahoma’s success this season. Coming off a narrow win against his former team, UCF, Gabriel finished with 253 passing yards and 3 touchdowns keeping their win streak alive. He’s been incredibly consistent this season totaling 2,131 passing yards and 24 total touchdowns on the year. Despite his consistent play, he’ll need a couple more stellar individual performances to catapult him to being the favorite.

5.) Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Bo Nix has had a very impressive season in his second season with the Ducks and he’s continued to elevate them as they sit ranked No. 8 with a 6-1 record with their only loss being to Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies. Nix has 2,089 passing yards and 21 total touchdowns on the season and still has room to move up the ladder potentially finishing as a finalist for the award.

John Maldonado is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jim6132@psu.edu.