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; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) passes against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

A lot of people (namely Michigan fans) believe that Michael Penix Jr. is no longer the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy after his three-turnover game against Arizona State in a 15-7 snoozefest.

While I would normally agree, this was the first time this season that Penix looked human. He had been on another level all year long and he finally had a bad game, but if he can bounce back this week against Stanford, I think we’ll see him solidify that top spot with just four weeks remaining.

Penix finished the Arizona State win with 275 yards and two picks along with a fumble and no touchdown passes. Not great.

But before that, he was killing it. He had 2,301 yards and 20 touchdowns with three picks heading into the Week 8 matchup with Arizona State. And that was in just six games. Penix was averaging nearly 400 passing yards and over three touchdown passes per game.

If he can get back on track right away, he’ll lock up this spot for the foreseeable future.

Sorry, Michigan fans.

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