Sep 13, 20224 min read

Heisman Watch: Week 2 Edition

Week two of the 2022 college football season had some more peak performances from Heisman contenders. There were some big upsets and matchups this week, including Marshall beating Notre Dame and Appalachian State beating Texas A&M. We are a very long way away from the Heisman winner being crowned and there will be a lot of shuffling with this list as the season goes along. But, for now, let's take a look at the top 10 after two weeks.

1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC (+320)

Williams began his Heisman campaign tearing up the lowly Rice defense and the real test came this week. On the road against Pac-12 rival Stanford, the Oklahoma transfer passed that test with flying colors. He completed 20-of-27 passes for 341 yards and four touchdowns to no interceptions. The only problem with winning the Heisman is that Williams and the Trojans play a pretty soft schedule this season. They only have one more game against a currently ranked opponent, in Utah on October 15. For now, though, he has been very impressive and sits in the top spot. For these rankings, anyway.

Previous: 2

2. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (+260)

Since Ohio State hasn't played a great team yet (yes, Notre Dame is not good), Stroud hasn't had the chance to really prove anything yet. After having a decent game against the Irish in Week 1, Stroud tore up the Arkansas State defense for 351 passing yards and four touchdowns on 16-of-24 passing. The junior quarterback still won't have a great opponent in Week 3, as he and the Buckeyes face Toledo. But then in Week 4 comes their Big Ten opener against Wisconsin.

Previous: 1

3. Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama (+2200)

Anderson continues to be an absolute force for the Alabama defense and was a game wrecker against Texas. In the Crimson Tide's close 20-19 victory over the Longhorns, Anderson recorded five total tackles, including two solo, and ran through the Texas offensive line for a huge sack in the fourth quarter. If these types of performances continue, especially when Alabama gets into the meat of their SEC schedule, Anderson will have a great shot of heading to New York for the ceremony.

Previous: 3

4. Jordan Addison, WR, USC (+5000)

Of Williams' four touchdown passes, two of them were to Addison who had seven receptions for 172 yards. His biggest play was an electric 75-yard catch and run for a touchdown in the first quarter after his first touchdown was for 22 yards. The former Pitt receiver ripped apart the Stanford secondary so much to make me jump him up to fourth on this list. It is uncommon for a receiver to win this award, as only four have won it in history. But the last one was DeVonta Smith in 2020, so it is obviously not impossible. Addison will have to continue to stuff the stat sheet every week to have a legitimate shot.

Previous: 10

5. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (+340)

After coming away with the Heisman last year, expectations are through the roof for Young. There has only been one repeat winner and the odds are stacked against him to be the second. He stuffed the staff sheet in the Crimson Tide's opening win over Utah State, but wasn't nearly as dynamic against a more quality opponent in Texas. Young posted 213 passing yards and just one touchdown on 27-of-39 passing and 38 yards rushing. Alabama barely squeaked out with a victory, as they needed a last second field goal to escape. He did make the big plays when he needed to, leading two fourth quarter scoring drives. Young didn't have much help, either, with receivers dropping passes and the offensive line not giving him much time.

Previous: 4

6. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma (+2800)

The Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week, Gabriel had a great performance against Kent State. He went for 75 percent passing (21/28) with 296 passing yards and three touchdowns. The junior quarterback has another great opportunity to put up big numbers as he and Oklahoma face off against Nebraska, who just fired Scott Frost.

Previous: 7

7. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (+6000)

It wasn't the best game, but Levis was able to lead the Wildcats to an upset 26-16 over Florida. The senior was 13-of-24 for 202 yards and one touchdown but did also get picked off once. He did what he could as the Kentucky offensive line was hardly giving him any time to throw, as the Florida defense was boiling down on him. Levis wound up getting hurried seven times and sacked three times, but didn't make too many mistakes.

Previous: 9

8. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas (+4000)

It wasn't the most proficient week for Robinson, as he ran for just 57 yards on 21 carries which is an average of only 2.7 yards per carry. For what it's worth, Alabama has a very tough defense led by fellow Heisman candidate Anderson. It will be tough for any running back to get much going against them this season. Robinson has a much easier opponent in UTSA next week.

Previous: 5

9. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State (+9000)

With Jaxon Smith-Njigba still out for a couple weeks, it is Harrison's time to shine. He did just that against Arkansas State, catching three of Stroud's four touchdown passes. The sophomore receiver finished with seven catches for 184 yards, and his touchdown catches were of 42, 42, and 30 yards.

Previous: Outside Top 10

10. Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia (+1400)

The Bulldogs rely a lot on their defense to pull wins out, but don't think the offense led by Bennett is incapable. The senior quarterback threw up 368 passing yards against Oregon last week and had another 300-yard performance against Samford. He was already up to 252 yards in the first half with one passing and rushing touchdown on 20-of-28 passing. Bennett finished with exactly 300 pass yards on 24-of-35 passing.