College Football Heisman Trophy Watchlist After Week 6

Justin's NCAA college football top Heisman Trophy contenders after Week 6 of the 2023 season. Top candidates include Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr.

No trophy in college sports means as much as the Heisman Trophy, which recognizes the best player in college football. That's why each week I'll be taking stock of the top five contenders for the trophy.

This week, we've got a new name entering the picture, replacing a player whose team he defeated on Saturday. But the top two are still the clear favorites.

Below are the top five Heisman contenders after Week 6 of the college football season. These are the five players who I view as having the best shot to win the trophy based on their performances this season.

5. Jordan Travis - QB, Florida State

Florida State's Jordan Travis had another game without a ton of passing yards, as he finished with just 170 of them in Saturday's 39-17 win over Virginia Tech. He threw two touchdown passes though and the Seminoles remain undefeated. That's helping him maintain his position in the rankings for now, though Travis is still in need of some Heisman moments.

4. Dillon Gabriel - QB, Oklahoma

Oklahoma's win over Texas has moved Dillon Gabriel into the top five and knocked Texas QB Quinn Ewers out of the rankings. Gabriel threw for 285 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 113 yards and a score in the 34-30 win. He's thrown 16 touchdowns and two interceptions this season and has also run for five touchdowns.

3. Bo Nix - QB, Oregon

Oregon was off this week, but Bo Nix still moved up a spot in the rankings with Quinn Ewers dropping out. Through five games, Nix has completed 80.4% of his passes for 1,459 yards, 15 touchdowns, and one interception. He's also run for a touchdown.

2. Michael Penix Jr. - QB, Washington

Washington was off this week. Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for 1,999 yards, 16 touchdowns, and two interceptions this season while completing 74.7% of his passes. His numbers aren't as good as Caleb Williams' numbers, but Williams has played one additional game.

1. Caleb Williams - QB, USC

USC's Caleb Williams keeps the lead this week, but the top two is basically a toss-up. Williams threw just one touchdown against Arizona, but he found the end zone three times on the ground. He's thrown for 22 touchdowns and has been picked off just once this season. He's also run for six scores.

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