Week four of college football for the Heisman trophy contenders in 2023 has ended. The Inscriber Magazine will now look at who is still on the list and who has been replaced since last week.
Michael Penix Jr continues to lead the way after the University of Washington destroyed the California Golden Bears 59-32. Even more impressive he did not see the field until 10 minutes had gone by in the first quarter and still threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns. His only blemish was an interception. Wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and Rome Udunze each went over the 100 yard receiving mark and caught two touchdown passes.
After a week off, Caleb Williams of USC continued to look like Patrick Mahomes and make plays down the field. Against Arizona State he ran for two touchdowns and threw for three while throwing for 322 yards.
Another Pac-12 quarterback enters the fray with an impressive first half performance against a tough Oregon State Beavers defense. Cameron Ward the Washington State Cougars quarterback went 19 for 20 in the first half with 293 yards passing and four touchdowns.
Ward finished in the 38-35 win with 404 yards passing, Josh Kelly and Kyle Williams each had over 150 yards receiving and combined to have the four touchdown receptions.
Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix enters the fold after an efficient performance in the dismantling of the Colorado Buffaloes. He completed 28 of 33 passes for 276 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.
While he had a quiet afternoon, Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel did throw for 322 yards and a touchdown against in a 20-6 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats. He also had a touchdown on the ground.
Dropping off theHeisman candidate list this week is Shedeur Sanders who struggled against the Ducks’ defensive line. He got sacked seven times and threw for 159 yards. It also does not get any easier scheduling wise as next week the Buffaloes will take on the Trojans.
With only one big game so far in 2023, Marvin Harrison Jr of the Ohio State Buckeyes continues to drop in the conversation for Heisman. In a walk-off win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish he was held to three catches for 32 yards. Even more concerning was that he left the game due to an ankle injury that he did eventually return from.