Heisman Watch, Week 1: USC's Williams leads the field after big win over Nevada
After a sensational Week 1 for the top Heisman contenders — plus a few splashes from some unexpected newcomers (ahem, Colorado) — the field appears as crowded as ever.
Here is a look at the current Heisman odds and how the top 10 contenders performed in Week 1…
1) Caleb Williams, USC Quarterback
Week 1 stats: 18/24 for 319 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 3 rushes, 42 yards
Overall stats: 36/49 for 597 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 11 rushes, 40 yards
One big number: Williams, an accurate passer throughout his career, is off to the most accurate start of his career, connecting on better than 72% of his passes. Interestingly, no USC receiver has more than 86 yards yet this year.
Week 2 opponent: vs. Stanford
Caleb Williams is READY to defend his Heisman throne. The Trojans’ QB displayed his prowess with 319 passing yards and 5 touchdowns in a resounding 66-14 victory over Nevada! ⭐️
https://t.co/uLmKqKDUpn— OutOfSightSports?™️ (@OOSSports) September 3, 2023
2) Jayden Daniels, LSU Quarterback
Week 1 stats: (plays Florida State Sunday)
Overall stats: N/A
One big number: N/A
Week 2 opponent: vs. Grambling
3) Quinn Ewers, Texas Quarterback
Week 1 stats: 19/30 passing for 260 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 8 rushes, 12 yards, 1 touchdown
Overall stats: 19/30 passing for 260 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 8 rushes, 12 yards, 1 touchdown
One big number: The Longhorns struggled to put it in the end zone for much of the early going. After a 37-yard touchdown toss on Texas’ 2nd drive, the Longhorns didn’t reach the end zone for nearly 30 minutes of game time.
Week 2 opponent: at Alabama
a WORTHY catch for the @TexasFootball ? ? @QuinnEwers x @XavierWorthy pic.twitter.com/grRJ1Ms4HH
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 2, 2023
4) Jordan Travis, Florida State Quarterback
Week 1 stats: (plays LSU Sunday)
Overall stats: N/A
One big number: N/A
Week 2 opponent: vs. Southern Miss
5) Cade Klubnik, Clemson Quarterback
Week 1 stats: (plays Duke Monday)
Overall stats: N/A
One big number: N/A
Week 2 opponent: vs. Charleston Southern
6) Michael Penix Jr., Washington Quarterback
Week 1 stats: 29/40 passing for 450 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Overall stats: 29/40 passing for 450 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
One big number: Penix’s 5 touchdowns in a 56-19 win over Boise State tied a career high.
Week 2 opponent: vs. Tulsa
Michael Penix my god pic.twitter.com/7QjeRbECm6
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 2, 2023
7) Sam Hartman, Notre Dame Quarterback
Week 1 stats: 14/17 passing for 194 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 4 rushes, 14 yards, 1 rushing touchdown
Overall stats: 33/40 passing for 445 yards, 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 4 rushes, 14 yards, 1 rushing touchdown
One big number: Hartman was efficient but not prolific in a 56-3 win over Tennessee State, sitting for the 2nd half. After hitting 19-of-23 passing in a big Week 0 in over Navy, he’s connecting on 83% of his passes this year.
Week 2 opponent: at North Carolina State
QB Sam Hartman to TE Holden States for a touchdown before half!#GoIrish ☘️
(?: NBC) pic.twitter.com/iCWJrAIFZn
— Notre Dame Fighting Irish (@Insidetheirish) September 2, 2023
8) J.J. McCarthy, Michigan Quarterback
Week 1 stats: 26/30 passing for 280 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Overall stats: 26/30 passing for 280 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
One big number: The Michigan offense wasn’t overwhelming in a 31-7 win, but McCarthy was on point. His 86.7 completion percentage was a career high with more than 15 attempts.
Week 2 opponent: vs. UNLV
J.J. McCarthy to Roman Wilson!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/u4dAGthQzt
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) September 2, 2023
9) Drake Maye, North Carolina Quarterback
Week 1 stats: 24/32 for 269 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 4 rushes, 25 yards
Overall stats: 24/32 for 269 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 4 rushes, 25 yards
One big number: Maye had 2 Week 1 picks in a 31-17 win over Spencer Rattler and the South Carolina Gamecocks. He had 2 picks in a game just twice last year.
Week 2 opponent: vs. Appalachian State
Lol Drake Maye is capable of some pretty magician shit too pic.twitter.com/LgVksPr5ZK
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) September 3, 2023
10) Bo Nix, Oregon Quarterback
Week 1 stats: 23/27 passing for 287 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Overall stats: 23/27 passing for 287 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
One big number: Oregon set a program record with 81 points in the 81-7 win over Portland State, scoring 11 touchdowns.
Week 2 opponent: at Texas Tech
https://twitter.com/TSV__1/status/1698053035522740272?s=20