Heisman Trophy watch 2022: Top 5 candidates heading into Week 9

4. Max Duggan, TCU

TCU football is just a threat to make the College Football Playoff but Max Duggan has to be taken seriously as a 2022 Heisman Trophy contender.

The Horned Frogs have won four games in a row against teams ranked in the top 20 and during that stretch, Duggan has proven to be an absolute superstar with 11 touchdown passes and just one interception. He’s also had four rushing touchdowns during that stretch and a 100-yard game, as well as three games with 50 rushing yards or more.

Last week, Duggan was fifth in our rankings but after another stellar performance against Kansas State in a crucial game for the Horned Frogs, the TCU quarterback deserved to move up.

Other lists will have Caleb Williams ranked over Duggan but it’s hard to say he’s played better. The Trojans haven’t beaten a single ranked team and Williams numbers aren’t any better.

Duggan has thrown for at least 280 yards in four straight games and has had at least three total touchdowns in every start this season. At the very least, TCU should be playing for the Big 12 championship game and Duggan is a huge reason for that.