Heisman Trophy watch 2022: Top 5 candidates after Week 4

1. C.J. Stroud

After finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021, C.J. Stroud has been a clear favorite and has lived up to the hype.

The first game against Notre Dame was a little pedestrian but the Irish have a really strong defense. Stroud threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns and every game since then he’s thrown for at least four touchdowns and 281 yards.

Wisconsin snapped a streak Stroud had of consecutive 300-yard games. However, that’s not going to be much consolation for the Badgers, because Stroud lit them up to the tune of 281 yards and five touchdowns. It was his second straight game with at least five TD passes.

That makes it 16 for the season which is tied for first in college football. He also has the second-best QBR. The Michigan game doomed his Heisman Trophy candidacy in 2021 and it’s going to define his campaign again in 2022.

If the Buckeyes run the table, beat the Wolverines, and win the Big Ten, while Stroud puts up huge numbers, he’s likely going to win the award. But that’s easier said than done and that’s just my bet. Young, Hooker, Williams, and Bennett will all get their opportunities too.

Favorites have emerged. Yet the race is still wide open.