Heisman Trophy Race: Caleb Williams in front again heading into Week 6; Michael Penix Jr. still on his tail
Caleb Williams was the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy before the 2023 season began, and the USC star has moved in front heading into Week 6. Michael Penix Jr. is just behind the Trojans star in the race, and there are some other big name quarterbacks that are still alive. With that in mind, keep reading for some of the risers and fallers in the Heisman mix heading into Week 6. Each week, I'll dive into the prices and analyze how I'd play this market for the remainder of the season. It's important to see what type of stats a player has racked up already, but how will they do the rest of the way? I'll get into that — and a lot more — here!
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USC QB Caleb Williams +180 (was +400)
A big performance against Colorado was expected from Williams, but I’m not sure people knew 403 passing yards with six touchdowns were coming. That was a massive performance for last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, as he put on a clinic with the entire college world watching his team take on Coach Prime. Williams has now thrown for 1,603 yards with 21 touchdowns and only one pick. He has moved far in front of Penix Jr. in the race, but I do think some darker days are ahead. Williams will likely light up the University of Arizona this weekend, as the Wildcats don’t have a strong enough secondary to keep the Trojans in check — especially playing in Southern California. But after this, USC faces Notre Dame, Utah, California, Washington, Oregon and UCLA. There are some amazing defenses in that group, and there might be a loss or two for the Trojans in that stretch. That would cause Williams’ candidacy to take a big hit, and it’s ultimately why I& rsquo;m low on him in this betting market.
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. +380 (was +400)
Penix Jr. is coming off his worst game of the season, as he didn’t throw for a single touchdown in a 31-24 win over Arizona. But Penix Jr. was still 30 for 40 for 363 passing yards in that game, so it’s not like he didn’t play well. Still, he finds himself behind Williams after Week 5, and he now has a bye week to prepare for a meeting with Oregon. I’d suggest waiting on Penix Jr. this week, if you’re looking to bet the lefty. I’m not sure the value is there to bet him anymore, in general. However, with Williams playing a game this week and Penix Jr. not having the opportunity to accumulate stats, it isn’t out of the question that you’ll get a better price heading into Week 7. Then, Penix Jr. has a chance to really make a statement in his meeting with the Ducks. The winner of that game will have a Heisman frontrunner.