We are now just 33 days away from college football. So, who are some of the 2022-23 Heisman favorites? Who are some sleepers that could surprise everybody? Mostly, who should you keep your eye on as this college football season rapidly approaches?
The Favorites
- CJ Stroud is the current Heisman Trophy favorite at +250, per DraftKings odds.
- Heisman Finalist in 2021, finished 4th.
- Led the nation in QBR (Quarterback Rating) in 2021 with an average of 91.6.
- Bryce Young looks to become the second player in history to win the Heisman Trophy twice. (Archie Griffin in 1974 & 1975)
- Was 2nd in the nation QBR, passing yards, and touchdown passes in 2021.
- Had perhaps his worst college game in Alabama’s loss in the National Championship game versus Georgia. Young threw for 369 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.
The Sleepers
Bijan Robinson– RB University of Texas
Bijan would be the first running back to win the Heisman trophy since Derrick Henry for Alabama in 2015, so it is quite a stretch to say that he will win. He does however have the powerful balance and explosive speed that many scouts are comparing him to Saquon Barkley. The Longhorns are looking to bounce back after a struggle-filled 2021 season. Look for Bijan Robinson to be making an impact in the run game for them if they do.
Jordan Addison – WR University of Southern California
The 2021 Biletnikoff Trophy winner, which goes to the nation’s top wide receiver, is a strong sleeper pick for the Heisman Trophy this year. Addison transferred to USC this offseason, to be paired up with talented quarterback Caleb Williams. Last season, Addison had 100 receptions for over 1,500 yards, to go along with 17 touchdowns. The site of USC offensively is scary this year, and Jordan Addison is going to be a big reason why.
Will Anderson Jr– LB University of Alabama
While there hasn’t been a defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy since Charles Woodson, the elite defensive talent in college is growing year after year. We saw this last season with Heisman finalist and Detroit Lions #1 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson. Anderson Jr doesn’t bring to the table the size and power that Hutchinson has, but he is one of the bigger outside linebackers at 6’4, 243 lb. Anderson Jr. terrorized offensives last year as a freshman, and is bound to be the top defensive player in the nation this year. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him be a Heisman finalist because of his leadership on the field, and his elite skill.
MY PICK:
JAXON-SMITH-NJIGBA– WR Ohio State University
Smith-Njigba is the best of the bunch. He made headlines in the Rose Bowl last season when he exploded for 15 receptions for 347 yards, and 3 touchdowns in Ohio State’s victory over Utah. “I think Jaxon’s done what he’s done all year, and that’s just play within himself” said OSU head coach Ryan Day after that famed performance. I had the pleasure of actually being at that Rose Bowl and witnessing Jaxon’s historic performance firsthand, and wow. Smith-Njigba could definitely be on an NFL team right now, so it will be quite fun to watch him bully defensive backs in the Big Ten Conference this season. While he’s not even in the top 10 favorites for the Heisman Trophy this season, he will be making jaws drop and and eyebrows raised before you know it.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Rose Bowl Performance
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