Breaking down top contenders for 2023 Heisman Trophy

Dec 10, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams poses for photos during a press conference in the Astor Ballroom at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York, NY, after winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Drake Maye

Maye was in the Heisman Trophy mix until a couple of late losses but he put up huge numbers this past season. The North Carolina OC Phil Longo just left for Wisconsin so it will be interesting to see how that could impact Maye.

There have been rumors about leaving for a different program but nothing has happened and it looks like he will be sticking around.

Mack Brown has coached a Heisman Trophy winner before and after 42 total touchdowns this season and more than 4,700 total yards, Maye is a viable contender.

The award has basically turned into one for quarterbacks with the top six finishers in the 2022 Heisman Trophy voting being quarterbacks. So as long as the Tar Heels can make a solid hire at offensive coordinator, Maye should put up big numbers.

The Tar Heels will need to replace Josh Downs too who is headed to the NFL draft but that shouldn’t be an issue.

It also shouldn’t be hard to find an OC that wants to work with Maye. That would be my top agenda item if I was Mack Brown because keeping Maye happy and away from the transfer portal should be the top priority.

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