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

1. Caleb Williams

There’s no doubt that the 2022 Heisman Trophy is Caleb Williams’ to lose. Williams was outstanding last weekend in a win over Notre Dame and he had a number of signature moments.

There were some long runs and some great throws and he was incredible making plays by running around and throwing it. Williams should get a lot of credit. Lincoln Riley is a great coach but Williams has been the key to USC’s turnaround.

He can make all the throws and looks like he’s just toying with defenses. He threw for 232 yards, ran for 35, and accounted for four total touchdowns in the win over Notre Dame. He made all the right decisions and the Notre Dame defense had to be at its wit’s end.

Williams has thrown for over 3,700 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. He has 10 touchdown runs and is completing 68 percent of his throws.

The interesting thing could be what happens if USC fails to beat Utah for the Pac-12 championship. That would throw another wrench into the discussion and earlier this season, Utah did beat USC and this is on a neutral field.

What I do know is that if Williams has a solid game and the Trojans win the Pac-12 title and clinch a playoff berth, there won’t be any mystery between Friday and the Heisman ceremony.

The award will be locked down. It might be already.