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 7
C.J. STROUD
Ohio State • QB • So.
HIS CASE: For the first time this season, we have an odds-on favorite in the Heisman race. That doesn’t always translate into a victory, but Stroud has been both spectacular and consistent ever since a ho-hum Week 1. His first road start of the season, a 49-20 win over Michigan State, might have been his best yet: 21-of-26 passing, 361 yards, six touchdowns, one interception. He’ll have to fall off this pace for anyone else to have a chance.
ODDS: -140
THIS WEEK: Open date
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CALEB WILLIAMS
USC • QB • So.
HIS CASE: Williams is still second in the odds, but he hasn’t taken full advantage of the void created by a shoulder injury to Alabama’s Bryce Young. USC remains unbeaten, but its 6-0 start has been as much about defense as about Williams, who has impressive but not overwhelming numbers: 64.9% completion, 265 yards passing per game, 3.4 yards per rushing attempt, 17 total touchdowns, one interception.
ODDS: +800
THIS WEEK: Saturday at No. 20 Utah (8 p.m., Fox)
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HENDON HOOKER
Tennessee • QB • Sr.
HIS CASE: Hooker was a 60-to-1 long shot in the offseason, but a tremendous start has him skyrocketing up the board. What’s more, like Williams, he has a chance for a showcase performance as an underdog this week when Tennessee hosts Alabama. If Hooker — 70% completion, 1,432 yards passing, 231 rushing, 13 total touchdowns, no interceptions — has a big game, he can put the heat on Stroud.
ODDS: +1000
THIS WEEK: Saturday vs. No. 3 Alabama (3:30 p.m., CBS)
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ON THE RADAR: Bryce Young, Alabama QB (+1400); Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA QB (+1600); Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama RB (+1800); Blake Corum, Michigan RB (+2000); Adrian Martinez, Kansas State QB (+2200); Stetson Bennett, Georgia QB (+2500); D.J. Uiagalelei, Clemson QB (+2500).
