Ranking the 10 best early Heisman Trophy candidates for 2023

Kyle McCord is unproven but Ohio State QB’s are made for Heisman Trophy runs

One thing that’s certain about Kyle McCord is that we have no idea what he’s capable of at the helm of the Ohio State offense. Over the past two seasons, the former 5-star recruit has only thrown 58 passes, though he has completed 70.7% of his throws for 606 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

The talent is undeniably there with McCord, though, and he figures to be an extremely talented player. More importantly, though, he’s going to take over for C.J. Stroud in the Ryan Day offense, which has routinely produced Heisman-level quarterbacks statistically since he took over as the head coach and even when he was on Urban Meyer’s staff.

McCord could be the next in line for that. We don’t know how well he’ll succeed, but history says a player with his recruiting pedigree in the Buckeyes offense will be in the mix.

Whoever is Alabama’s starting QB should make a Heisman run

Bryce Young is heading to the NFL Draft after this disappointing season and failing to even make it to New York to defend his 2021 Heisman Trophy win. That’s unfortunate, but it also leaves Alabama in a bit of mystery at the quarterback position. Will it be Jalen Milroe, who filled in for Young when injured, who gets the job in 2023? Will it be Ty Simpson, a ballyhooed recruit waiting in the wings, that gets the nod? Is a star transfer going to make his way to Tuscaloosa?

We honestly don’t know the answer there. What we do know is that there is likely going to be a shake-up on the Alabama coaching staff — namely moving on from OC Bill O’Brien — to help reinvigorate the Crimson Tide offense. And as such, whoever is under center is going to have every opportunity to put up numbers with all of the talent around him. So while it’s not a specific name, you can go ahead and put “Alabama QB X” in the Heisman race for next season.