Heisman Trophy watch 2022: Top 5 candidates after Week 1

2022 Heisman Trophy contender No. 2: C.J. Stroud, Ohio State QB

When it comes to Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, the performance against Notre Dame did feel a little disappointing. That tells us something about the expectations surrounding the Buckeye signal-caller.

In a top-5 matchup, without his No. 1 wide receiver, Stroud completed 24-of-34 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame had one of the best defenses in the country last season and look to have another elite unit.

But Stroud didn’t make a mistake and while he wasn’t as productive as he was down the stretch last season when he put up insane numbers, Ohio State did lose two wide receivers to the first round of the NFL draft.

That being said, Stroud will have all season to build up stats. Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be out for a bit, but the win over Notre Dame was key to his Heisman race and as long as the Buckeyes win and he keeps throwing touchdowns, he’ll be a top contender.