4. QB Caleb Williams, USC
Why Caleb Williams Will Win the Heisman: The guy continues to be magnificent. He’s a true leader of this all-star pack, has thrown for close to 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns with just one pick, and he’s a more dangerous runner than the other top candidates.
Yeah, USC lost to Utah 43-42, but Williams threw for a season-high 381 yards and five touchdowns and ran for 57 more yards.
Even with the setback, as long as USC can keep winning, if it gets to 9-1 the world will be watching the showdown at UCLA and the regular season finale against Notre Dame. He’ll have his chances to shine.
Why Caleb Williams Won’t Win the Heisman: He was off against Oregon State – he came up with the clutch game-winning drive, but he also put the team in a bad position with an off night hitting just 44% of his throws for 180 yards.
The buzz isn’t there for USC now after the Utah loss like there is for the top SEC teams and Ohio State, and his numbers are going to have to be even more amazing to push through the top three.
3. QB Bryce Young, Alabama
Why Bryce Young Will Win the Heisman: Let’s cut to the chase here. He’s probably the best college football player in the United States.
Does Young have the normal array of Alabama NFL wide receivers to throw to? No. He’s getting it done by getting the ball to TE Cameron Latu, getting Jahmyr Gibbs in space, and spreading it around with his third and fourth reads having to be sharp.
Yeah, that other guy on Tennessee was good, but Hendon Hooker threw for 385 yards. Young threw for 455, didn’t give up a pick like his counterpart did, and there but for the grace of a kicker he comes away from that game a winner.
That, and he saved the day against Texas, and ..
Why Bryce Young Won’t Win the Heisman: Part of the problem is that he wasn’t able to go against Texas A&M, or in the fourth quarter against Arkansas. Part of winning the Heisman is being there for all the big games. It’s not his fault he hurt his shoulder, but that’s sort of the deal.
There’s still time to do this. If he goes on a tear over the second half of the season, beats Georgia or gets redemption against Tennessee in the SEC Championship, he could two-time this award. But for now …