Heisman watch: Caleb Williams torches Stanford defense
LOS ANGELES (BVM) – It’s only a couple of weeks into the college football season, but it’s never too early to take a look at who might be in New York in December.
Here are the top Heisman Trophy candidates so far:
5. KJ Jefferson, QB, Arkansas
There was a lot of excitement about the Razorbacks’ new toy at quarterback to conclude 2021. Thus far in 2022, Jefferson is living up to the hype. In Saturday’s win against the Gamecocks, the junior had 229 total yards with two touchdowns, completing over 76% of his passes. Through two games, Jefferson also has zero interceptions. If he can continue his play, he’ll likely be connected to Heisman votes for the remainder of the season.
KJ Jefferson is a GAMER‼️ pic.twitter.com/nrYsrnVgCq
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 10, 2022
4. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
It was not the prettiest Saturday for Young or the rest of the Crimson Tide team, barely holding on to a 20-19 victory over Texas. Young had 251 total yards with a touchdown, but what he did down the stretch in that game reminded people why he took home the award in 2021. Young still has a 6-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio and will have plenty of opportunities throughout the season to boost his Heisman stock.
One of the best throws on Saturday was a 3rd down incomplete pass.
This is the kind of help Bryce Young was getting vs. Texas. pic.twitter.com/99AKgnNMcK
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 12, 2022
3. CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
It was a little surprising when Notre Dame held Stroud to 223 passing yards in week 1, but he got back to business in week 2. Against out-of-conference Arkansas State, Stroud threw for 351 yards while chucking up four touchdowns. Stroud currently has the sixth-highest passer rating in the FBS at 90.1 and will look to pile on the numbers throughout conference play.
CJ Stroud showing off his elite accuracy with this throw 🎯 pic.twitter.com/e7uKsnnBBU
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) September 10, 2022
2. Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
Even after winning a national championship in 2021, Bennett still has his critics. While some label him as a game manager, the senior quarterback has put up stellar numbers thus far in 2022. Georgia shut out Samford this weekend where the offense put up 33 points and Bennett had his second consecutive 300-yard performance. Bennett has 668 passing yards on the year with zero interceptions, while also holding an 88.4 quarterback rating.
Kirby says the day was “underwhelming” for @GeorgiaFootball but it’s a 33-0 win over Samford.
Stetson Bennett IV with the games opening touchdown to take a 13-0 lead to end the 1Q. 📸 @sportsguymarv pic.twitter.com/5ZRXdM8v9l
— Marvin L James II (@sportsguymarv) September 11, 2022
1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC
It was pretty clear that USC completely revamped their team this offseason with the hiring of Lincoln Riley, Williams and Jordan Addison. But I am not sure anyone expected such fruitful returns this early in the season. Williams was phenomenal on Saturday against Stanford throwing for 341 yards with four touchdowns. The Oklahoma transfer also completed 74% of his passes without throwing an interception. After receiving some Heisman fanfare last year as a freshman, Williams has done nothing to slow down that hype train in what could be a very fun 2022 season in Los Angeles.
Caleb Williams hits Jordan Addison for the 75-yard TD! 💥
(🎥: @USC_FB)
— theScore (@theScore) September 11, 2022
Photo: Caleb Williams threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns in his PAC-12 debut. (Credit: Stan Szeto/USA TODAY Sports)