Photo by the Heisman Trust
I know it’s late in the week but early in the year to publish any kind of Heisman Watch but there were certainly some Herculean performances last Saturday that deserve some recognition and some players who are on a great track early to win the most prestigious individual award in sports. As the season progresses, I’ll try to organize into the top five, and maybe even ten but early we’ll just have some guys in no particular order.
Heisman Watch
Travis Hunter, Colorado, WR/CB, Sophomore.
Hunter had 11 catches for 119 yards receiving and an insane interception on the other side of the ball for Colorado. The craziest stat was that he played 134 total snaps on a sunny, 100-degree Texas day. He reminds me of one of my all-time favorite players Chris Gamble of Ohio State. I love a player playing on both sides of the ball in 2023. Coach Sanders made a good point about Travis Hunter and it’s hard to argue with.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, Quarterback, Junior.
Sanders was 38 of 47 for 510 yards and four touchdowns. He looked as sharp as any quarterback in the country and his 21-3 record as a starter is as impressive setting the school record in passing yards in his debut game against the defending national-runner up, in the game of the week. Shedeur Sanders is the real deal.
Caleb Williams, USC, Quarterback, Junior
Williams (through two games) is 36 of 49 for 597 yards and nine touchdowns. Chasing Archie Griffin is no easy feat but starting off the first two games with nine touchdowns is a good running start. USC’s defensive struggles may help Williams attempt to repeat as they’ll need him to put up Heisman numbers every week to win.
Michael Penix, Washington, Quarterback, Senior
Penix was 29 of 40 for 450 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Huskies and Penix look to be the main competition for USC in the Pac-12 and for Williams in the Heisman race. Penix got off to a great start with a big win over solid Boise State.
Jordan Travis, Florida State, Quarterback, Senior.
Travis was 23 of 31 for 342 yards and four touchdowns passing. As a rushing quarterback, he has seven carriers for 38 yards and a touchdown. Their win was one, if not the biggest of the first couple weeks of college football. Their matchup with Clemson (who looks vulnerable) will be for the leader in the ACC and will have an effect on Travis’ Heisman hopes.
On the Radar
Some guys who are on the radar and who we should be on the lookout for are Sam Hartman, the quarterback out of Notre Dame. Joe Milton, the quarterback for Tennessee. Jalon Daniels is the quarterback for Kansas (of all places)! It’s a wide-open race this year and we’re already seeing a lot of star power in it! I can’t wait to see who comes out on top.
