Heisman Trophy watch list: Top 5 candidates ahead of Week 12
![Nov 11, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) scores the touchdown during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports Nov 11, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) scores the touchdown during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-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/b07d011d5648c74620904de2b7df9a3a77c5d399bc20291ed8e35df9e3d86f60.jpg)
Michael Penix Jr. has been No. 1 on my list for a while and until he has a horrible game or completely melts down, he’s going to remain there.
After picking up a big win over No. 18 Utah in Week 11, Penix only solified his spot atop the Heisman Trophy power rankings. He passed for 332 yards and two touchdowns against one of the best defenses in the Pac-12.
Since his forgettable zero-touchdown, two-interception performance against Arizona State a month ago, Penix Jr. is averaging well over 300 yards per game with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. He has bounced back in a big way.
On the season, Penix Jr. has 3,533 yards and 28 touchdowns and if he can average 320-350 yards with two-plus touchdowns in each of the final two games against Oregon State and Washington State, I think he wins the award.
Oh, and he has to probably go interception-less.
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