Heisman Watch: Ranking the Top 5 Heisman Odds Candidates Heading into Week 0
Heisman Watch: Ranking the Top 5 Heisman Odds Candidates Heading into Week 0
The long wait is finally over. College football season is here and that means it's time to take a look at the 2023 Heisman Watch. Like last year, we come into the season with the defending Heisman winner still in school. What impact will that have on the voting? Well, it clearly has an impact on the Week 0 Heisman odds already.
However, Caleb Williams isn't the only player making college football news when it comes to the latest Heisman odds and our Heisman Watch series.
There is an entire new list of players that we can expect to ball out this season, so let's get into our Heisman Watch list, go over the latest Heisman odds and find out who you should be making part of your preseason college football picks as we head into Week 0.
Click here for the latest Heisman odds
Heisman Watch: Top 5 Heisman Odds
1. Caleb Williams - USC QB (+500) (Bet $100 to collect $600)
It's a total shocker, I know, but Caleb Williams is the leader when it comes to our Heisman Watch list and the latest Heisman odds. If you haven't been paying attention to the USC signal caller, you should start now. Williams threw for 4,537 and 42 TDs while throwing just five interceptions on his way to the school's first Heisman Trophy since Reggie Bush (I don't care what the NCAA has to say about it). Williams was far and away the best player in the country. CJ Stroud fell short in his team's biggest games and Bryce Young had a down year compared to his Heisman-winning campaign the year before. So, in stepped the former Oklahoma QB to take the trophy. This year, Williams will be without his leading receiver Jordan Addison, who is now on the Minnesota Vikings, but I'm not sure how much it matters. Williams still has Tahj Washington, Mario Williams, Brendan Rice, and Michael Jackson to go along with Arizona transfer Dorian Singer. Not to mention, we get to see this team in action in Week 0 against San Jose State. Come December, expect Williams' name to still be near the top of our Heisman Watch list, as well as just about every draft board.
2. Jayden Daniels - LSU QB (+1400) (Bet $100 to collect $1,500)
It feels like Jayden Daniels has been playing college football for 50 years at this point. But, college football's Perry Ellis finds himself as the second favorite to win the Heisman and in the No. 2 spot on our Heisman Watch List. Daniels started at Arizona State before transferring to LSU last season and he's somehow back as just a 22-year-old senior. In a vacuum, I like Jayden Daniels the player. I think he's a dynamic dual-threat signal caller who can get it done with his arm, his mind and his legs. There are also reports that he's bulked up to north of 200 pounds, which is awesome. However, I despise betting on anything that has to do with Brian Kelly, so I'm going to stay away from backing Jayden Daniels to win the Heisman. Wide receiver Malik Nabers is awesome, as is Mason Taylor, but Daniels is going to have to run the ball less if he's going to make it through an entire SEC season and I don't like taking the ball out of the hands of a player I'm betting on to win the Heisman. That's not going to be great for his rushing numbers. I don't believe that Brian Kelly is the right coach for LSU, so I'm staying away from backing Jayden Daniels to win the Heisman despite the fact that I'm a big fan of his game.
3. Quinn Ewers - Texas QB (+1400) (Bet $100 to collect $1,500)
Can Quinn Ewers win the Heisman Trophy in 2023? Well, I guess it depends on who you ask. Either way, he's No. 3 on the Heisman Watch List for this season. On the one hand, there are those who remember Ewers was the best recruit on the planet two years ago. 247 gave him a perfect 1.000 recruit score, making him one of six players to ever receive that score. On the other hand, it's important to remember that we're one injury away from getting Arch Manning under center in Austin. Ewers immediately enrolled at Ohio State after high school, where he sat on the bench behind CJ Stroud as the next in line. Then, he transferred to his hometown school Texas, following head coach Steve Sarkisian. But, he battled injuries all year long last year, showing flashes when he was healthy. This is a make-or-break year for Ewers. A big showing as the QB for the Longhorns and Ewers not only has the best chance of taking down Caleb Williams for the Heisman, but he could also find himself as the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft if some things go his way. A bad start to the year and we may end up seeing The Golden Child Arch Manning earlier than we thought.
4. Jordan Travis - Florida State QB (+1600) (Bet $100 to collect $1,700)
Nationally, I think Jordan Travis is the least-known name on our 2023 Heisman Watch List for Week 0, but to underestimate the QB for Florida State would be a big mistake. Travis has just as much talent as anyone on this list. He can make every throw on the field and he can beat you with his legs if you take away his first or second read. But, my questions about Travis' chances to win the Heisman have more to do with my belief in the Seminoles to compete nationally than it has anything to do with the player. The good news for Heisman bettors is we're going to find out early just how for real the No. 8 Seminoles are as Travis and FSU take on No. 5 LSU in the season opener. Wide Reciever Johnny Wilson is going to be amazing this season and will be a national favorite by Week 5. Add to that the rushing offense of Mike Norvell which should average over 5 yards per carry this season and it's easy to see why people are hyping up the Jordan Travis Heisman odds. If the Seminoles can compete in the ACC and make a run at a College Football Playoff spot, look out for Travis come December.
5. Michael Penix Jr. - Washington QB (+1800) (Bet $100 to collect $1,900)
Michigan QB JJ McCarthy, Clemson QB Cade Klubnik and Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. all find themselves at the +1800 mark when it comes to their Heisman odds, but Michael Penix Jr. gets the nod on our 2023 Heisman Watch List because he finished in the top five last season. Penix Jr. is a dynamic player and the only person on this list, other than Caleb Williams, that I've personally backed to win the Heisman. I love Michael Penix Jr. because he led the nation in passing yards per game in 2022 and his No. 1 receiver, Rome Odunze is back for the Huskies as well. I think not only does Penix become one of the best players in college football this season, but the Huskies also challenge USC for a Pac-12 crown. If Penix can outduel Williams in a head-to-head showdown, he may be able to take down the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.