Heisman Trophy watch list: Top 5 candidates ahead of Week 10

Michael Penix Jr.’s performance against Arizona State a couple of weeks ago had people calling for his spot atop the Heisman Trophy rankings. He had his worst showing of the year, passing for 275 yards and zero touchdowns with two picks against a team that was well below .500 — at home, no less.

On top of that, the offense was only able to muster a grand total of 15 points in the process and the Huskies were fortunate enough to win thanks to the defense.

Penix did bounce back in Week 9, however, passing for 369 yards and four touchdowns with another pick against a pesky Stanford team that looked poised for an upset. He may have been out-dueled by Ashton Daniels who has become somewhat of a breakout star, but he still had himself a solid game and got back into that No. 1 spot.

While he’s been No. 1 for a little bit now, his seat at the top is getting warmer with guys like Jordan Travis, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix all playing their best football of the season.

Washington is facing one of its toughest tests yet in Week 10 as Penix and Co. head to Los Angeles to face USC and Caleb Williams.

A true elimination game, of sorts, in the Heisman race.