2023 Heisman Trophy Predictions
Once again, we have a compelling list of candidates to win the Heisman Trophy this season in college football. However, before we plunk down our hard-earned money, it’s wise to get a lay of the land. Over the years and decades, we have seen certain trends as it pertains to this award, whether it be the player’s position, the quality of the team to which he belongs, or what his most effective traits are. Simply put, stats speak, so your player needs to be able to provide numbers in a clear way. It might seem during some stretches that this is more of a “best quarterback” award, with that position hauling in a wildly-disproportionate number of trophies. But still, there have been enough running backs and wide receivers in the Heisman mix, as well, to warrant a hard look. But other than Charles Woodson in ’97, the surest route to this award is to be a fruitful offensive player.
Even if the player you like looks to have a huge year numbers-wise, other things need to be in place, as well. You could say there are certain big-name schools that have a built-in advantage, with signature CFB flagship programs like Alabama, Oklahoma, LSU, and USC accounting for the last six Heisman winners. And sure, you will have your occasional Heisman winner whose team isn’t totally tip-top, with 2016 winner Lamar Jackson from Louisville standing out. But far more often than not, an individual player analysis without an appraisal of that player’s team could lead you astray in this particular college football futures wager. Let’s take a look at our favorite choices to haul in the Heisman Trophy this season!
Top Picks to Win the Heisman Trophy in 2023
Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC (+400): The 2022 Heisman Trophy Winner returns to the Trojans for what they are hoping will be a big run this season. Williams has a strong cast of weapons that all but guarantee a certain level of statistical supremacy. The top favorite to be the first pick in next year’s NFL draft, Williams is exactly the kind of player you’re looking for. The main question is just the spirit of this award, where a voter might be reluctant to cast a repeat vote for a player. The last player to notch consecutive Heisman Trophies is almost 70. It’s not really done anymore. When you combine his super-low odds, the built-in high expectations of a previous winner, and the spread-it-around philosophy of the modern Heisman voter, it seems there are more-appetizing picks elsewhere.
Jordan Travis, Quarterback, Florida State (+1000): Another top choice on the board, it has been a slow build for Travis, who has begun coming on in his tenure as the Seminoles field general. This pick is a tricky one, as it is predicated on Florida State having a big year, but following a 10-win campaign in ’22, a return to the CFP would reflect very well on Travis. A dual-threat quarterback with the ability to put up big numbers through the air and on the ground, a rosy prognosis on the Seminoles this season means Travis will be right in the mix at +1000. Interesting.
Sam Hartman, Quarterback, Notre Dame (+1800): Following a fruitful career more out of the limelight at Wake Forest, where he threw 110 touchdowns, Hartman joins the Fighting Irish, a team that gives him plenty of exposure to become a legit Heisman Trophy contender this season. We will see if his excellence translates in this elevated context, but with better stuff to work with and more high-profile chances to shine, Hartman could build up some steam over the course of this upcoming season if the Irish take flight. And not that it should matter, but having a name out of central casting for a football movie and playing for Notre Dame won’t hurt him, either.
Jayden Daniels, Quarterback, LSU (+2000): The former Arizona State QB had a nice first season with the Tigers upon transferring last season from the Sun Devils, throwing for almost 3000 yards and running for almost 900. He can be really efficient aerially while making good use of his legs as he works behind that big LSU offensive line. He is also prone to having really big games, and a few more of those sprinkled in could really boost his standing. With his experience and the hopefulness of LSU, this could be a season where we see a big boost from Daniels as he finally puts it all together at a nice price of +2000.
Cade Klubnik, Quarterback, Clemson (+2000): With consistent power Clemson having fallen out of the CFP picture the last three seasons, there was promise shown last season when the young freshman Klubnik assumed the starting QB duties. With a wealth of weapons at his disposal, the possible ascent of Klubnik, along with a return to national prominence for Clemson, would seem to set up well for the young QB to end up as a compelling finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Granted, his body of work is minimal, and there are no guarantees with Clemson this season in a conference that might be tougher. More-credentialed players are going off at similar odds, but Klubnik stands out as a nice dark-horse pick. There could even be some mojo if voters become more cognizant of the fact that despite a lot of good players over the years, a Clemson player has never been selected for this honor.
Favorite Longshot on the Board
Arch Manning, Quarterback, Texas (+10000): We might be a little early to the dance on this one for the freshman Manning, who still has to officially unseat QB Quinn Ewers, a leading Heisman candidate in his own right. Still, there is a path for Manning. He can win the starting job and help return Texas to prominence, which inherently gives him a strong case. Ewers could get injured, and Manning saves the season. Either way, he has the name power, is on a high-profile team, and, if given the opportunity, could tap into the voters’ sense of sentimentality. A problematic pick, but what +10000 pick isn’t?
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