Heisman Trophy watch 2023: Top 5 candidates heading into Week 5
![Sep 23, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) looks to throw during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports Sep 23, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) looks to throw during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/677d034915ace4c009250efd9d291c58167be182c053efe066d4383abdf49170.jpg)
The guy who has been skyrocketing up everyone’s lists lately is Washington State’s Cameron Ward. The former Incarnate Word quarterback who transferred up to the FBS last year has been nothing short of incredible this season.
I really considered moving him up to No. 2 after his performance against Oregon State in Week 4, but I’m not totally sure that Washington State’s team success is sustainable. While that’s not entirely fair since the Cougars are 4-0 and ranked No. 16 in the country, this is a team that may not hang around in the ranks of playoff contenders (which most Heisman contenders are chosen from) throughout the year.
In the case that Washington State does shock everyone and win the Pac-12 or at least make it to a New Year’s Six bowl, Ward absolutely would get an invite to New York.
Heck, he may win the whole dang thing.
How did he do against Oregon State last week in a big home win? He threw for 404 yards and four touchdowns on 28-of-34 completions. He now has the third-most passing yards in college football (1,390) to go along with 13 touchdowns and no picks. He’s also completing 75 percent of his passes.