It would be foolish of me to not include USC quarterback Caleb Williams and North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye in the Heisman Race. But, lets be honest and say these two quarterbacks are focused on the next level and not a silly old trophy. As prestigious the award is in college football, the best quarterback in the NFL did not win one or a national championship.
Actually, the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, Tom Brady, was a backup for most of his college career. So, how important is the race anyway? Well, in the eyes of the people who watch college football it is everything. Guys like Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow were ideal dominant players that deserved the award. However in 2023, the award seems to be up for grabs.
There’s actually just three or maybe four players up in the mix for the trophy.
Florida State’s quarterback Jordan Travis, LSU quarterback Jayden Davis, Washington’s quarterback Michael Penix are the top 3.
Jordan Travis
Travis has remained calm, relax, and in control of every game he’s played in. The dynamic athlete and signal caller is the bonafide leader of the Seminoles.
Travis has thrown 20 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions this season. Not to mention, Travis has 7 rushing touchdowns too. It will be difficult to not have him as the leader in the Heisman Race with big wins over Jayden Daniels in a FSU vs LSU head-to-head on the board.
Jayden Daniels
The loss to FSU looks bad, but his entire run in 2023 has been special. From the big hits he’s taken to the long runs he’s mad in the ground, Daniels is a monster on the field.
His most recent performance against Florida, Daniels threw for 372 yards, rushed for 234 yards, and combined for 5 touchdowns total. The guy went to a different level in a rivalry game. Overall, Daniels has thrown for 3,164 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions.
In this day and age of college football, quarterbacks who throw double digit interceptions are frowned upon for the trophy.
Michael Penix
Did Penix come out of nowhere, no, but the idea of the Washington Huskies having an elite quarterback did. Penix has thrown for 28 touchdowns to just 7 interceptions. That is impressive for most, but when you add the 3,533 yards he threw through the air this season it becomes elite.
Penix is in his 6th year of college like Jordan Travis, but is on pace to throw for back-to-back 4,000 yards seasons. The Huskies are on track to play in the last PAC-12 conference championship game.
All-in-all, these three quarterbacks are leading the Heisman Race