For the remainder of the college football season, Yahoo Sports will provide weekly updates on the leading contenders for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. All odds mentioned in this article are sourced from BetMGM.
Marvin Harrison Jr.: The Game-Changing Receiver for Ohio State
Ohio State owes a significant portion of its undefeated 7-0 record this season to star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Despite facing challenges on offense due to a downturn in quarterback play and injuries to key players, Harrison has remained a consistent force for the Buckeyes. His vital role was particularly evident in their recent top-10 victory over Penn State, where he caught 11 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Even against one of the country’s toughest defenses, Harrison stood out and accounted for a large portion of his quarterback’s completions and passing yardage.
Harrison has consistently delivered impressive performances, surpassing the 100-yard mark in five out of seven games this season. In their come-from-behind victory over Maryland, he played a crucial role in turning the tide by catching eight passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. With a total of 42 catches for 766 yards and six touchdowns so far, Harrison has progressed in the Heisman Trophy odds, currently sitting at +1800 on BetMGM. While traditionally a quarterback-dominated award, DeVonta Smith’s win in 2020 demonstrated that a wide receiver can have a season worthy of the Heisman recognition.
Ohio State is expected to regain some key offensive players, including Emeka Egbuka and TreVeyon Henderson, which will likely provide more opportunities for Harrison to shine. As long as Ohio State continues their winning streak, Harrison has a good chance of remaining in the Heisman conversation, especially with a highly anticipated matchup against Michigan in the season finale.
J.J. McCarthy: Emerging as the Heisman Favorite for Michigan
With each successive victory, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy solidifies his position as the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. McCarthy’s odds have improved significantly, going from +1000 to +240 after a subpar performance from Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. McCarthy capitalized on this opportunity, throwing for 287 yards and four touchdowns in Michigan’s dominant 49-0 win over Michigan State.
McCarthy’s exceptional season has propelled Michigan to an undefeated 7-0 record, with impressive numbers to match. He has thrown for 1,799 yards and 18 touchdowns, with only three interceptions. McCarthy boasts the second-highest completion rate in the country at 78.1%, just behind Bo Nix of Oregon. He also ranks second in yards per attempt (10.6) and passer rating (199.13).
Michael Penix Jr.: The Ups and Downs of Washington’s Quarterback
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. experienced a significant setback in the Heisman race after a lackluster performance against Arizona State. Despite Washington’s narrow victory, Penix struggled, finishing the game with 275 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, along with a fumble. However, Penix’s overall season performance remains impressive, having thrown for 2,576 yards and 20 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He leads the nation in passing yards per game and total passing yards, making him a formidable contender moving forward.
Jayden Daniels: Leading the LSU Offense to Success
LSU’s offense has thrived under the leadership of quarterback Jayden Daniels. In LSU’s recent commanding 62-0 win over Army, Daniels threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns while also contributing with a rushing touchdown. He has amassed impressive statistics, throwing for 2,573 yards, leading the nation in touchdown passes, yards per attempt, and passer rating. Daniels has also been a threat with his legs, accumulating 521 yards and five rushing touchdowns.
Florida State’s Jordan Travis: Overcoming Adversity
Despite a challenging start that included a pick-six, Jordan Travis demonstrated resilience by leading Florida State to a 38-20 victory over Duke. Travis threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 62 yards and a score. With an unblemished 7-0 record, Florida State is a strong favorite to win the ACC, and Travis has played a significant role in their success. He has thrown for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns, with only two interceptions, while also adding 176 rushing yards and five touchdowns to his name.
Dillon Gabriel: Oklahoma’s Quarterback to Watch
Dillon Gabriel played a crucial role in Oklahoma’s narrow 31-29 victory over UCF, his former team. Gabriel threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns, further solidifying Oklahoma’s undefeated 7-0 season. With a total of 2,131 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 71.2%, Gabriel has been a reliable weapon for the Sooners.
Other Contenders Worth Watching
In addition to the aforementioned candidates, other players to keep an eye on in the Heisman race include Bo Nix (Oregon), Carson Beck (Georgia), Drake Maye (North Carolina), Caleb Williams (USC), Sam Hartman (Notre Dame), Kyle McCord (Ohio State), and Jalen Milroe (Alabama). Each of these quarterbacks has shown flashes of brilliance and could potentially shake up the Heisman competition.
Ultimately, the battle for the Heisman Trophy remains highly unpredictable. As the college football season progresses, it will be intriguing to see which players continue to make a case for themselves and rise to the top of the Heisman conversation.
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