The Heisman Race, Week 4: CJ Stroud strengthens his case; Caleb Williams jumps to second

September 23, 2022 at 12:59 pm CDT

FILE - Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Fighting Irish open the season at No. 2 Ohio State, facing an offense that led the FBS in total yards and scoring last season and is only expected to improve in C.J. Stroud's second season as the starting quarterback. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

C.J. Stroud FILE - Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Fighting Irish open the season at No. 2 Ohio State, facing an offense that led the FBS in total yards and scoring last season and is only expected to improve in C.J. Stroud's second season as the starting quarterback. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File) (Carlos Osorio/AP)

Each week, we’ll track the race for this year’s Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best player in college football, along with each contender’s odds and a look at who they face this week.

(Odds from Caesars Sportsbook)

Week 4

C.J. STROUD

Ohio State • QB • So.

HIS CASE: It’s tough to help your Heisman case against a team your school paid to come in for a beating, but Stroud put on a virtuoso performance against Toledo, passing for 367 yards on 27 passes and throwing just as many touchdowns (5) as incompletions. That’s now 11 touchdowns against zero turnovers this season. The rest of the season is Big Ten games, so the stage gets bigger.

ODDS: +275

THIS WEEK: Saturday vs. Wisconsin (6:30 p.m., ABC)

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CALEB WILLIAMS

USC • QB • So.

HIS CASE: The transition from Oklahoma to USC has worked like a dream thus far, with the Trojans putting up big numbers and making the Pac-12 worth staying up for again. Williams threw for 284 yards in a surprisingly easy win over Fresno State, passed for two TDs and ran for two more. Williams has jumped Bryce Young into second place on this list, and his top receiver, Pitt transfer Jordan Addison, also is gaining some Heisman steam (+4000).

ODDS: +350

THIS WEEK: Saturday at Oregon State (8:30 p.m., Pac-12 Network)

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BRYCE YOUNG

Alabama • QB • Jr.

HIS CASE: Again, a home game against UL-Monroe isn’t the best platform to help a Heisman case, and Young didn’t do himself any favors with two interceptions against the Warhawks even if they came with four total touchdowns in a 63-7 win. That’s especially true when voters inherently are looking for a reason not to choose a repeat winner. The good news is, Alabama will have plenty of chances for Young to make up ground.

ODDS: +425

THIS WEEK: Saturday vs. Vanderbilt (6:30 p.m., SEC Network)

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ON THE RADAR: Stetson Bennett, Georgia QB (+1200); Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma QB (+1600); J.J. McCarthy, Michigan QB (+2200); Three at +4000 (Will Anderson, Alabama LB; Hendon Hooker, Tennessee QB; Jordan Addison, USC WR)

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Zach Ewing

Zach Ewing is the sports betting editor for The Advocate