2023 Heisman Trophy Race: Current Odds and Predictions Unveiled

Heisman Watch 2023: Latest Odds and Predictions in Race For Top Award

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Jayden Daniels was the biggest individual winner of the Pac-12 Championship Game. The LSU Tigers quarterback watched from home as Bo Nix’s Oregon Ducks fell to Michael Penix Jr.’s Washington Huskies. That result elevated Daniels to the Heisman Trophy betting favorite ahead of Saturday’s award ceremony. Daniels put up video game numbers in the final month of the season to remain in Heisman contention despite LSU not being in the College Football Playoff conversation. Nix and Penix should be finalists alongside Daniels, but neither Pac-12 quarterback may have done enough to beat out Daniels for the award.

Predictions

1. 

Jayden Daniels

2. Michael Penix Jr.
3. Bo Nix
4. Daniels finished the regular season with 4,946 total yards and 50 total touchdowns. The LSU quarterback’s numbers stood out most in the final month of the season, as he had three 200-yard passing and 100-yard rushing performances. Daniels started that run with 382 total yards in a loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, a game that LSU was competitive in until Daniels got hurt in the second half.
5. The Heisman favorite followed that up with 606-yard, five-touchdown outing against the Florida Gators. That explosive performance confirmed his position among the award favorites. Daniels completed his Heisman campaign with more total yards and touchdowns than Nix and Penix despite playing one fewer game. Penix authored some tremendous moments in late-game situations for Washington, including in the Pac-12 Championship Game win over Oregon, but his numbers were not as eye-popping as Daniels’ totals.
6. The Washington quarterback had under 250 passing yards in two of his final three games and only had one touchdown pass against Oregon. Nix, who was the Heisman favorite prior to the Pac-12 Championship Game, reeled off four straight games with over 300 yards and multiple touchdown throws before losing to Washington. Nix’s inability to outduel Penix likely eliminated him from first-place votes, and since Penix was not overwhelmingly dominant in the pocket all season, Daniels should receive a majority of the top votes because of his eye-opening totals.

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