College Football Heisman Trophy Watchlist After Week 1

Justin's NCAA college football top Heisman Trophy contenders after Week 1 of the 2023 season. Top candidates include Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr.

No trophy in college sports means as much as the Heisman Trophy, which recognizes the best player in college football. That's why every week, I'll be taking stock of the top five contenders for the trophy.

It's early in the season, so there's not really a ton of movement yet from preseason expectations, aside from the fact that Colorado's Week 1 statement win over TCU might have a Buffaloes player in contention suddenly.

Below are the top five Heisman contenders after Week 1 of the college football season. These are the five players who I view as having the best shot to win the trophy based on their performance this season.

5. Shedeur Sanders - QB, Colorado

The other four players on this list are essentially the same four that would have topped the preseason list, but Shedeur Sanders—who is still at +3500 in the betting odds, tying him for 15th in betting odds—made a huge impact in his FBS debut. Sanders was 38-for-47 510 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-42 upset win over No. 17 TCU. He might not stay on this list forever, but it was an impactful opening week.

4. J.J. McCarthy - QB, Michigan

After throwing 22 touchdowns and rushing for five more in 2022, J.J. McCarthy began his 2023 season with a 26-for-30 passing performance in a win over East Carolina. He threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns. McCarthy wasn't asked to use his legs against an ECU team that went 8-5 last season and won a bowl game. It was a good start to his Heisman candidacy.

3. Jordan Travis - QB, Florida State

Jordan Travis is a seasoned veteran at this point, as this is his sixth season in college. Last year was a breakout campaign for Travis, as he threw for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns. He opened 2023 with a statement win over LSU, going 23-for-31 for 342 yards and four touchdowns while also running the ball seven times for 38 yards and a score.

2. Michael Penix Jr. - QB, Washington

The top two spots in the Heisman odds belong to Pac-12 quarterbacks. Michael Penix Jr. was 29-for-40 for 450 yards and five touchdowns in the team's 56-19 win over Boise State on Saturday. The Broncos won 10 games last year, but the Huskies made easy work of them in the season opener.

1. Caleb Williams - QB, USC

Last year's Heisman winner was the favorite heading into 2023, and he remains the favorite after Week 1. Williams has two games under his belt so far, as USC played San Jose State in Week 0 and then Nevada in Week 1. So far, he's completed 73.5% of his passes for 597 yards and nine touchdowns with zero interceptions. Williams has a pretty easy upcoming schedule and can pad his lead in the Heisman race.

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