Each week, we’ll track the race for this year’s Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best player in college football, along with each contender’s odds and a look at who they face this week.
(Odds from Caesars Sportsbook)
Week 6
C.J. STROUD
Ohio State • QB • So.
HIS CASE: It was a week for spinning tires in the Heisman race, with Stroud’s odds actually improving despite a decidedly ho-hum effort in a win against Rutgers: 13 of 22 for 154 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Still, he’s on his way improving statistically from his sensational freshman year: Through four games, he’s at 1,376 yards, 18 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Now we see if he can do it on the road.
ODDS: +130
THIS WEEK: Saturday at Michigan State (4 p.m., ABC)
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CALEB WILLIAMS
USC • QB • So.
HIS CASE: Williams had 392 yards passing and rushing combined with four touchdowns in a win against Arizona State as he aims to be the third Trojans quarterback to win the Heisman. Lately, however, no Pac-12 player has even been close: In the past five seasons, only Washington State QB Gardner Minshew has finished in the top five (fifth, 2018), and you have to go back to Oregon’s Marcus Mariota in 2014 to find a West Coast winner.
ODDS: +550
THIS WEEK: Saturday vs. Washington State (7:30 p.m., Fox)
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BRYCE YOUNG
Alabama • QB • Jr.
HIS CASE: The Heisman race could have received its first major shake-up last Saturday, but it’s possible the shoulder injury Young suffered at Arkansas won’t keep him out for even another week; Alabama says he’ll be a game-time decision for Saturday night against Texas A&M. If Young does miss time, a couple of other SEC quarterbacks could rise in the Heisman race: Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker and Georgia’s Stetson Bennett.
ODDS: +800
THIS WEEK: Saturday vs. Texas A&M (8 p.m., CBS)
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ON THE RADAR: Hendon Hooker, Tennessee QB (+1400); Stetson Bennett, Georgia QB (+1800); Blake Corum, Michigan RB (+2000); Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama RB (+2000); Adrian Martinez, Kansas State QB (+2500); D.J. Uiagalelei, Clemson QB (+2500).
