2022 Heisman Watch: C.J. Stroud, Caleb Williams Separating from Candidates Early in Season

Week 3 was less chaotic than Week 2 in college football, and we saw several Heisman Trophy candidates make their mark.

Preseason Heisman favorite C.J. Stroud is firmly in front of the pack through three Week 3 after gashing Toledo in Columbus over the weekend. The Ohio State quarterback helped lead the Buckeyes to 77 points on the night.

Meanwhile, Caleb Williams has stayed in lock step with the Big Ten signal caller as the USC Trojans figure to have a top offense as well. USC scored 40+ again, this time defeating preseason Mountain West favorite, Fresno State.

Who else made moves up and down the odds board for the Heisman Trophy? Let's recap Week 3 and preview Week 4 for several of the leading contenders with odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook:

1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State (+200) - Last Week (+200)

Stroud was absurd in Week 3, completing 22-of-27 passes for 367 yards and five touchdowns. With Ohio State getting back Jaxon Smith-Njigba from a hamstring injury, expect the Buckeyes offense to continue to be operating at a high level.

2022 Stats: 62-85, 941 Passing Yards, 11 TDs, O INTs

Week 4 Opponent: Wisconsin (-18, 56.5)

2. Caleb Williams, USC (+300) - Last Week (+300)

Williams is leading a Trojans offense that seemingly can't be stopped. He is fresh off a performance that included 284 passing yards, a pair of touchdowns through the air and another two on the ground.

The USC gunslinger has a ton of talent and more high profile games during PAC-12 play. He's firmly in the mix and likely not going anywhere.

2022 Stats: 64-86, 874 Passing Yards, 8 TDs, O INTs

Week 4 Opponent: @ Oregon State (-6.5, 69)

3. Bryce Young, Alabama (+500) - Last Week (+400)

Young and the Crimson Tide rolled over Louisiana-Monroe in Week 3, but the 2021 winner's numbers are failing to keep up with the likes of Stroud and Williams. Not only has there been only one repeat winner, but his numbers pale in comparison to his peers.

2022 Stats: 58-85, 644 Passing Yards, 9 TDs, 2 INTs

Week 4 Opponent: (Vanderbilt, -40, 59)

4. Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma (+1600) - Last Week (+5000)

The Sooners faced their first real challenge on Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska and passed it with flying colors. Gabriel led the way for the Sooners in their 49-14 victory, passing for 230 yards and two touchdowns as well as a highlight 61 yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

2022 Stats: 52-78, 759 Passing Yards, 7 TDs, 0 INTs

Week 4 Opponent: Kansas State (-12.5, 51.5)

5. Stetson Bennett, Georgia (+2000) - Last Week (+2000)

Bennett is the quarterback on the best team in college football, so he will remain in the mix for the award, especially if he keeps leading a dominant offense. The Bulldogs rolled over South Carolina on the road in their SEC opener with Bennett in complete control, completing 16-of-23 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. He added a rushing touchdown as well, his third of the season.

2022 Stats: 65-88, 952 Passing Yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs

Week 4 Opponent: BYE

6. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan (+3000) - Last Week (+5000)

McCarthy is the full time starter for the Wolverines now, and looked the part in the team's demolition of UConn. The sophomore completed 15-of-18 passes for 214 yards but didn't have a touchdown on the afternoon.

2022 Stats: 30-34, 473 Passing Yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs

Week 4 Opponent: Maryland (-17, 62.5)

7. Spencer Sanders, Oklahoma State (+4000) - Last Week (+6500)

Sanders has looked sharp to start the season and it carried over against FCS foe Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where he completed 13-of-16 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns.

2022 Stats: 62-95, 916 Passing Yards, 10 TDs, 1 INT

Week 4 Opponent: BYE

8. Michael Penix Jr., Washington (+4100) - Last Week (+10000)

Washington was one of the most impressive teams in Week 3, handling Michigan State with ease at home. The Huskies won 39-28 in large part to their quarterback, who completed 24 of his 40 passes for 397 yards and four touchdowns.

Penix is second in the country in passing yards per game and Washington may be a PAC-12 threat, leading to a significant jump in odds.

2022 Stats: 70-106, 1,079 Passing Yards, 10 TDs, 1 INT

Week 4 Opponent: Stanford (-12.5, 61.5)

9. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee (+5000) - Last Week (+4000)

Hooker didn't need to do much for the Vols as they rolled to a 63-6 victory ahead of SEC play, but he was impressive nonetheless, completing 14-of-18 passes for 298 yards and a pair of touchdown passes.

2022 Stats: 59-85, 844 Passing Yards, 6 TDs, 0 INT