The 2022 Heisman Trophy race is starting to take shape a little bit and here are the top five contenders after Week 3.
At this point in the college football season, it’s hard to call anyone the favorite for the 2022 Heisman Trophy.
Most of the favorites have played well up to this point and some have been impacted because their schedule hasn’t been all that difficult. But with conference play opening for most college football teams this weekend, that should change.
However, some teams have already started conference play and one of those teams is Georgia, which dominated South Carolina last weekend.
Stetson Bennett was stellar last week and J.J. McCarthy who cracked our top five a week ago had a solid ho-hum day against UConn. He was 15-of-18 for 213 yards. He’s the top-ranked QB in QBR, but the Wolverines’ schedule has been really easy.
So after what Dillon Gabriel did last week against Nebraska, he’s pushed his way into the top five. Some oddsmakers even have him in the top four. However, Bennett has played really well and he’s still trending up in my opinion.
McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., Jordan Addison, Bijan Robinson, and Will Anderson are the top contenders just outside of the top 5, and here is our updated Heisman Watch for 2022 after Week 3 of the college football season.
5. Dillon Gabriel
Through three games, Dillon Gabriel is averaging just over 250 yards per game for the Sooners to go along with seven touchdown passes and zero interceptions. Some have him jumping higher in the race thanks to an impressive 61-yard touchdown run in the win over Nebraska.
That was a Heisman Trophy sort of moment and people will remember it but Nebraska also looked really bad. Gabriel only completed 59 percent of his passes but threw for 230 yards and added 55 on the ground, including the touchdown.
It was enough to get him some attention and with the talent surrounding him, the numbers are going to look good and if the wins keep on coming against the more marquee opponents, his name will continue to rise among Heisman Trophy contenders.