The most prestigious award in college football, the Heisman Trophy, is up for grabs in 2023 despite the return of last season’s winner, USC QB Caleb Williams. Below is a list of the five betting favorites to take home the Heisman Trophy and how they have played to start the season. The odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Updated: 9/4/2023 at 1:43 PM EST
Top 5 Heisman Trophy Award Candidates
Caleb Williams (USC) +450
Williams is off to a great start in his journey toward a second straight Heisman Trophy Award. The superstar has tossed nine touchdowns against no interceptions in USC’s first two games of the year. He made Patrick Mahomes-esque throws against Nevada in his team’s 66-14 win over the Nevada Wolfpack.
Caleb Williams… DISGUSTING!! pic.twitter.com/V4UTtLpL0m
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 2, 2023
Williams also carried the ball three times for 42 yards. The Oklahoma transfer rushed for 382 yards and ten scores in his first year with the Trojans in 2022.
Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) +800
Penix threw five touchdowns in Washington’s 56-19 thumping of the Boise State Broncos. The Heisman Trophy candidate posted big numbers with the Huskies last season, but his return to Seattle meant big expectations for the senior. Penix put up one of the best statistical performances in Week 1.
Jordan Travis (Florida State) +1000
On Sunday night, the Florida State gunslinger shined bright in his team’s big win over (#5) LSU. The West Palm Beach native went 23-of-31 from 342 yards and four scores against one pick. He also added 38 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Travis significantly boosts his early Heisman Trophy candidacy after a big statistical performance in the biggest Week 1 matchup of the year.
Sam Hartman (Notre Dame) +1600
Hartman, like Caleb Williams, has played two games against everyone else’s one. The Wake Forest transfer has put up gaudy numbers this season, albeit against inferior competition. Hartman has accounted for seven touchdowns against no turnovers over Tennessee State and Navy. His 83% completion percentage is also one of the best in the nation. Hartman’s hot start has put him on the early Heisman Trophy radar.
Bo Nix (Oregon) +1600
Nix and the Oregon Ducks had one of the easiest matchups of Week 1, beating Portland State 81-7. The dual-threat Quarterback played just a little over two quarters but still threw for 287 yards and three scores while not attempting a rush. His performance against the Vikings does little to move the needle, but it could help elevate his stats come season’s end. Nix could become the first Oregon Duck to win the Heisman Trophy since Marcus Mariota in 2014.
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