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

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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 21: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines exits the tunnel before 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) /

It took me a while to come around to the idea of JJ McCarthy winning the Heisman Trophy. Is it because I’m a Michigan State alum and it’s tough to see a Wolverine taking home the coveted award after Kenneth Walker III was snubbed of an invite to New York a couple of years ago? Maybe, but I’m over it. I swear.

But McCarthy continues to impress despite not getting a ton of pass attempts every week. I was also hesitant to add him to this list because Jim Harbaugh’s offenses don’t throw a ton.

Yet he’s still putting up some major numbers.

Sure, Michigan is in the middle of a potentially massive cheating scandal, but McCarthy still has to go out and make plays even if he knows what the defense is going to do.

McCarthy is going to need a massive end to the 2023 season, numbers-wise, because he’s not going to take home the award by averaging less than 250 yards per game through the air. He needs to average over 300 from here on out while throwing 2-3 touchdowns per game.

Do I think that happens? Probably not, but his QBR is No. 1 in the nation and that deserves some Heisman love.

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