College Football Heisman Trophy Watchlist After Week 3

September 21, 2023

Justin's NCAA college football top Heisman Trophy contenders after Week 3 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 each week I'll be taking stock of the top five contenders for the trophy.

This week there's a good bit of change in the top five. Out is Michigan's J.J. McCarthy after he was picked off twice against a MAC program, with a new face joining the contenders list and some shuffling of the order from three through five.

Below are the top five Heisman contenders after Week 3 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 performances this season.

5. Sam Hartman - QB, Notre Dame

Former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman has completed 71.1% of his passes through four games as the Notre Dame starter, throwing 13 touchdowns and no picks. He's added two rushing scores as well. The Irish are 4-0 and Hartman's stock is rising nationally.

4. Jordan Travis - QB, Florida State

Jordan Travis came out of the gates big against LSU, but he hasn't been quite as strong the last two weeks, completing just 56.6% of his passes combined in wins over Southern Miss and Boston College. He's thrown eight touchdowns and run for another, but Travis needs to have a Heisman moment pretty soon if he wants to stay among the contenders.

3. Quinn Ewers - QB, Texas

Texas started slow against Wyoming, with Quinn Ewers throwing for just 131 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Still, he moves up a spot because his best moment so far—349 yards and three scores against Alabama—surpasses Travis' best moment. But ultimately, the Heisman race is already turning into a two-man race.

2. Michael Penix Jr. - QB, Washington

No change in the top two, though Michael Penix Jr. edges a little bit closer to that No. 1 spot. He's completed 74.3% of his passes this season for 1,332 yards, 12 touchdowns, and one interception. He's also thrown for over 400 yards in all three of Washington's games. Penix is going to be giving the current Heisman frontrunner a run for his money.

1. Caleb Williams - QB, USC

USC's Caleb Williams, the winner last year, stays in front after USC was off this past weekend. Through three games, he's completed 78.6% of his passes for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for another.

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