Heisman Trophy watch list: Top 5 candidates ahead of Week 9

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 21: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to make a play downfield during the first half of a college football game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2023 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) looks on during the first half against the Washington State Cougars at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Bo Nix has been slowly rising up by Heisman Trophy rankings every week and it’s because he continues to exceed expectations.

Heck, he’s been exceeding expectations ever since he got to Oregon.

Before he transferred to Oregon, he was a slightly above-average quarterback for Auburn who seemed to regress every season with the Tigers. And then Kenny Dillingham and Co. were able to land him before the 2022 season and that resurrected his career. He passed for 3,593 yards and 29 touchdowns with just seven picks and a career-high 72 percent completion rate last year.

And he’s been even better this season.

In fact, Nix has 2,089 yards and 19 touchdowns with only one interception and a 78 percent completion rate. He’s dominating opponents and he’s a major reason Oregon is ranked No. 8.

Nix had a nice bounce-back game after losing at Washington in Week 7, passing for 293 yards and two touchdowns in a 14-point win over Washington State. He’s moving up.

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