2022 Heisman Watch: C.J. Stroud Makes Statement in Ohio State Win vs. Wisconsin
By Reed Wallach
After stumbling through their first test of the season, Ohio State looked the part of a National Championship contender in a 52-21 win against Wisconsin at home.
Heisman Trophy favorite C.J. Stroud led the way for the Buckeyes as he continued to separate from the likes of Caleb Williams and Bryce Young, tossing five touchdown passes in the blowout victory over a projected Big Ten Championship foe.
What else did we see from the Heisman candidates in Week 4? We got you covered:
1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State (+125) - Last Week (+200)
There's not much more room for Stroud to go based on his performance and the play of his peers, but it's hard not to see the Ohio State quarterback as the runaway favorite.
Stroud showed what he is capable of against Big Ten competition, torching an elite Wisconsin defense to the tune of 281 yards and five touchdowns.
On a top three team and likely not challenged until Thanksgiving, Stroud is going to be the tone setter for this award moving forward.
2022 Stats: 79-112, 1,222 Passing Yards, 16 TDs, 1 INTs
Week 5 Opponent: Rutgers
2. Bryce Young, Alabama (+500) - Last Week (+500)
Young looked fantastic in the Crimson Tide's SEC opener against Vanderbilt, completing 25-of-36 passes for 385 passing yards and four touchdowns.
It hasn't been as dominant of a year for Young, but this could be the start of big things for the 2021 winner. He must overcome voter fatigue and players like Stroud, but Young remains in the mix as a finalist.
2022 Stats: 83-121, 1,029 Passing Yards, 13 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 5 Opponent: @ Arkansas
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3. Caleb Williams, USC (+600) - Last Week (+300)
Williams Heisman campaign took a serious hit despite the Trojans victory at Oregon State. He completed 16-of-36 passes for 180 passing yards.
While Williams was able to get the Trojans down the field and escape Corvallis with a 17-14 victory, it was a tough week for his season long stats.
As USC remain undefeated, Williams will remain in the mix, but it feels like this team is getting away easy with a +14 turnover margin through four games.
2022 Stats: 80-122, 1,054 Passing Yards, 9 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 5 Opponent: Arizona State
4. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee (+1600) - Last Week (+5000)
Hooker was electric in Tennessee's win over Florida, but does it vault him into the group of contenders?
The Vols quarterback has big numbers this season, but Tennessee was a double digit favorite in that game, what will happen when they face Alabama or Georgia? I'm holding out before jumping on this surging number based on the Florida victory despite his fine play.
Hooker passed for 349 yards and ran for north of 100 and combined for three touchdowns in the 38-33 win over UF.
2022 Stats: 81-133, 1,193 Passing Yards, 8 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 5 Opponent: BYE
5. Stetson Bennett, Georgia (+2500) - Last Week (+2000)
Bennett's odds grew this week, which I find interesting as he is on far and away the best team in the country and he continues to produce.
No, Bennett didn't pass for a touchdown in Saturday's win over Kent State, but he did complete 75% of his passes for 272 yards and rushed for his fourth TD of the season.
The narrative will be around Bennett, who also has improved as a passer this season. If Georgia is undefeated through the regular season, Bennett has the numbers to at the very least be a finalist, or just win the award.
2022 Stats: 92-124, 1,224 Passing Yards, 5 TDs, 1 INTs
Week 5 Opponent: @ Missouri
2022 Heisman Trophy Odds
- Jalon Daniels, Kansas: +3000
- Sam Hartman, Wake Forest: +4000
- Blake Corum, Michigan: +4000
- Dillion Gabriel, Oklahoma: +4000
- Adrian Martinez, Kansas State: +4000
- Michael Penix Jr., Washington: +5000
- Will Anderson, Alabama: +5000
- Spencer Sanders, Oklahoma State: +5000
- Bo Nix, Oregon: +5000