Top 10 Heisman Contenders After Week 2

Kingston, RI (PSF) - With two weeks of college football in the books and plenty more to go, we’ve already seen some top tier performances that have put certain players and their teams on the map. Some of these moments have definitely been Heisman worthy, and here I’m going to go over my top 10 players who have put themselves in consideration for the Heisman trophy through the first two weeks.

Shedeur Sanders-QB-Colorado Buffaloes

Although it is still very early in the season, Colorado has looked unstoppable with Sanders at the helm. With two wins against high profile opponents in the first two weeks, the new guard in Colorado stemming from their addition of Head Coach Deion Sanders and all of the talent he attracted has looked stellar. Sanders, son of head coach Deion Sanders looks to have all of the athletic prowess of his father, and has silenced the critics who said he was not a power 5 level player. Through the first two games Sanders has thrown for 903 yards with 6 passing touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding a rushing touchdown on the ground. If Sanders can keep up this pace, the heisman will be in his trophy case.

2. Caleb Williams-QB-USC Trojans

Last year's Heisman winner has come out of the gates looking even stronger than last year, starting off with three near flawless offensive performances to lead the Trojans to a 3-0 start. Although there has only been one player who ever won multiple Heisman trophies, being Archie Griffin for Ohio State back in the 1970’s, Williams' play so far has been worthy of him becoming the second player to accomplish this feat. In their first 3 games, Williams has thrown for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns and no interceptions, on the ground Williams has also been more than solid with 61 rushing yards and a touchdown to complement his passing game.

3. Quinn Ewers-QB-Texas Longhorns

Although not being quite as statistically impressive as the previous two players, Ewers’ efficiency and accuracy has led Texas to the hottest start they have had in years. With a win over 3rd ranked Alabama this past weekend, where Ewers threw for 349 yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions; Texas has catapulted themselves up to the upper echelon of college football in 2023. Being ranked as one of the best high school quarterback prospects of all time, Ewers is certainly starting to live up to his potential for the Longhorns. Through two games Ewers has thrown for 609 passing yards and 6 touchdowns with no interceptions, adding a rushing touchdown on the ground as well.

4. Michael Penix Jr.-QB-Washington Huskies

One of the older members of this list, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has had an interesting career in college football, playing 4 years at Indiana before transferring to Washington in 2022. Since he arrived in Washington he has been absolutely lights out for the Huskies and in many respects has looked like a totally different player. Penix Jr.’s arm talent may be some of the best in the nation right now, with him making NFL level throw after NFL level throw on a weekly basis. A star studded receiver room including the exceptional Rome Odunze has certainly aided Penix Jr. at Washington, however his play in itself deserves a high level of praise. So far through 2 games Penix Jr. has thrown for 859 yards and 8 touchdowns to 1 interception, and shown off his exceptional ability to throw the ball deep and into tight spaces.

5. Travis Hunter-CB/WR-Colorado Buffaloes

Being arguably the most popular player on this list besides perhaps Caleb Williams, Hunter has made waves so far both offensively and defensively for Colorado. It is exceptionally rare in today's age that we see players even play on both sides of the ball, nevertheless do it at such a high level like Hunter has been able to do so far for the Buffaloes. Being both a shutdown corner and a big play receiver has made him arguably the most fun player to watch in all of college football. So far through two games Hunter has racked up 14 receptions for 192 yards on offense and 7 tackles, 2 pass deflections, and an interception on defense. If Hunter can keep this pace up, he may very well be able to make a run at the Heisman trophy.

6. Jordan Travis-QB-FSU Seminoles

FSU’s week one victory over LSU cemented Travis as an early Heisman candidate as he balled out, making a mockery out of LSU’s secondary. His combination of top 2 receivers Johnny Wilson and Keion Coleman is perhaps the best in the country, helping him move the ball down the field seemingly effortlessly. So far this season, Travis has thrown for 517 yards and 6 passing touchdowns to 1 interception, with his dominant week 1 win boosting his Heisman stock tremendously.

7. Marvin Harrison Jr.-WR-Ohio State Buckeyes

Marvin Harrison Jr’s spot may seem low to some at first glance, and although there are no doubts about his skills and talent, his production has been very solid, but not out of this world Heisman worthy. Harrison Jr. is a hot name in the college football/NFL mock draft world right now not only due to his incredible skills at the position but also his father being a hall of fame NFL wide receiver who made an incredible duo with Peyton Manning. If Harrison Jr. can keep making steady improvements throughout the season it is certainly possible he finds himself higher on this list, and cement himself as one of the only wide receivers to ever win a Heisman.

Photo from Icon Sportswire, Getty Images

8. Carson Beck-QB-Georgia Bulldogs

Coming out victorious from a long off-season battle for the starting quarterback spot, taking the reins of the current back to back national champion Georgia Bulldogs offense, Beck has been impressive thus far. Although the opponents Georgia has faced so far have been lackluster leading to two blowout games, with the whole country’s eyes on Georgia, Beck will be in the spotlight more than any other first year QB in the nation. Starting off 2-0 and holding the current number 1 ranking in the polls, Beck has a lot to prove and live up to as the season continues and he faces tougher competition. Through two games Beck has thrown for 577 yards and 3 touchdowns to 1 interception, while adding a rushing touchdown on the ground as well. If Beck can keep up the good play and keep Georgia in the national championship conversation, he could easily rise up this list.

9. Bo Nix-QB-Oregon Ducks

One of the most polarizing players in college football, Nix has had quite an interesting journey, starting his career off at Auburn where he had a wide disparity between his good and poor play for the Tigers. However, since his transfer to Oregon, Nix has been nothing short of exceptional. Nix has provided a dual threat ability that Oregon has historically relied on to command some of their best teams ever similar to Marcus Mariota. Last season Nix was tremendous, and he has gotten off to another stellar start this season, throwing for 656 passing yards and 5 touchdowns to 0 interceptions through 2 games. Nix has not made too much of an impact on the ground thus far in 2023, but if he can be similar to his numbers rushing last season, he could find himself much higher on this list.

10. J.J. McCarthy-QB-Michigan Wolverines

Rounding out my list for the top 10 current Heisman trophy candidates, we have Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has gotten off to a stellar start in 2023. Through two games he has led Michigan to a 2-0 record, throwing for 558 passing yards and 5 touchdowns to 0 interceptions. McCarthy’s performance has been more than solid so far, the only factor that is keeping him on the lower end of this list as of now is that it has come against two mediocre opponents (East Carolina and Bowling Green). If McCarthy can keep up this level of performance against tougher competition, he can certainly find himself rising up this list quickly.

Honorable Mentions:

Drake Maye-QB-UNC Tarheels

Audric Estime-RB-Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Sam Hartman-QB-Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Dillon Gabriel-QB-UCF Knights

Dante Moore-QB-UCLA Bruins

Brock Bowers-TE-Georgia Bulldogs

Treveon Henderson-RB-Ohio State Buckeyes

Blake Corum-RB-Michigan Wolverines

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