Heisman power rankings: Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and the top 10 preseason candidates

Heisman power rankings, No. 4: Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma

It’s fitting that we have our No. 4 and 3 candidates beside one another as Dillon Gabriel has arrived in Norman after Caleb Williams left the Sooners alongside Lincoln Riley for USC. But while that’s a big transition, the situation for Gabriel to thrive in is undeniable.

Over 26 games at UCF and including a 2021 that was shortened due to injury, Gabriel was extremely productive as he threw for 8,037 yards with 70 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions. Moreover, he flashed some wheels with eight career rushing scores as well.

Now Gabriel will be surrounded with better skill position talent at Oklahoma and, more importantly, will be in the QB-friendly Jeff Lebby offense to further increase his output. And if the Sooners are able to stay afloat and compete to win the Big 12 behind him, that will only strengthen his case further.

Heisman power rankings, No. 3: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

As for Caleb Williams, we saw what he is capable of under Lincoln Riley in the second half (or roughly that) of the season at OU last season. While the location has changed for both parties, the production shouldn’t, particularly with the Trojans also adding Mario Williams and Jordan Addison by way of the transfer portal this offseason.

Despite not starting the entire year as a true freshman, Williams still threw for 1,912 yards, 21 touchdowns and only four picks while rushing for 442 yards and six touchdowns as well with the Sooners last season.

You could now make an argument that he has a better set of pass-catchers around him along with a year of working the Riley offense to his credit as well. Subsequently, he should be able to lead USC back closer to its former glory and will get awards love as a result of that.