College Football Heisman Trophy Watchlist After Week 5

Justin's NCAA college football top Heisman Trophy contenders after Week 5 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 change at the top, as well as some shake-ups elsewhere in the running order. It still looks like a two-player race to win the trophy.

Below are the top five Heisman contenders after Week 5 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. Jordan Travis - QB, Florida State

Florida State was of this week. Jordan Travis has completed 61.2% of his passes this season with 10 touchdowns and one interception. His numbers are good, but he likely drops out of the Heisman contender if Florida loses a game this season.

4. Bo Nix - QB, Oregon

Bo Nix had another good showing this weekend, completing over 80% of his pass attempts for the third time this season. He was 27-for-32 for 290 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Stanford. He also added three carries for 18 yards. Nix has completed 80.4% of his passes this season with 15 touchdowns and one pick.

3. Quinn Ewers - QB, Texas

Texas remained undefeated by beating Kansas on Saturday. Quarterback Quinn Ewers was 25-for-35 for 325 yards and a touchdown in the victory, but he threw his first pick of the season. Ewers has thrown just two touchdowns over the past two games. But he's made an impact with his legs, rushing for five touchdowns already.

2. Michael Penix Jr. - QB, Washington

Michael Penix Jr. has to be perfect to beat Caleb Williams for the Heisman. On Saturday, he was 30-for-40 for 363 yards, but there was one issue: he didn't find the end zone. While he's thrown 16 touchdown passes through five games, not tossing one against Arizona hurts his Heisman case a bit, especially compared to what Caleb Williams did.

1. Caleb Williams - QB, USC

Williams lost the top spot in these rankings for the first time this season last weekend, but he's back. Against Colorado, Williams threw his first interception of the year, but he also threw six touchdown passes. He finished with 403 yards on 75% completion. Willams now has 21 touchdown passes, already halfway to his total in his Heisman-winning 2022 season.

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