My Top 5 Picks for the 2022 Heisman Award
- TG
- Dec 6, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 28, 2023
Today, I will reveal my top five players whom I believe are worthy of college football's most prestigious award: the Heisman Trophy.
If you're unfamiliar, the Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. It recognizes athletes who demonstrate excellence, integrity, and consistently impressive performances. The winners of this award are players who embody great ability, diligence, perseverance, and hard work.
Now, onto the list.
5. Stetson Bennett(Georgia):
When you've led your team to a second consecutive perfect regular season and their first SEC Championship since 2017, while also having the opportunity to compete for back-to-back NCAA Championships, you have to be on the radar for the Heisman simply due to your team's success.
Stetson Bennett’s journey is particularly remarkable, as he began his career as a walk-on. To reach this level of success, despite being overlooked by many, is nothing short of extraordinary.
The only reason he's not higher on this list is his lack of standout individual statistics. His touchdown passes and passing yards fall short compared to the other contenders. In fact, he isn't even the best quarterback in his conference.
4. Drake Maye(North Carolina):
Drake Maye led his team to a 9-3 regular season and secured a spot in their conference championship. Although they lost to Clemson 39-10, it was still a surprise for UNC to even reach the ACC Championship.
Maye’s individual stats bolster his Heisman case: he ranks third in the nation in passing yards with 4,115 and is tied for fifth in passing touchdowns with 35. He was also named ACC Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-ACC First Team. What makes his performance even more impressive is that he accomplished all of this as a freshman.
3. Max Duggan(TCU):
Max Duggan led the Horned Frogs to a perfect 12-0 regular season, navigating a challenging Big 12 Conference schedule. TCU recorded the most ranked wins in the country, a testament to Duggan’s leadership.
His first loss came in the Big 12 Championship, falling to Kansas State in overtime, 31-28. Despite the loss, Duggan put up impressive numbers: 251 passing yards, a touchdown, and 110 rushing yards—remarkable for a quarterback. Had he won the Big 12 Championship, he might have topped this list.
Duggan’s individual stats are also strong: 3,321 passing yards (16th in the nation), 30 passing touchdowns (12th), and just 4 interceptions. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and is a finalist for multiple awards.
Both his individual achievements and team success place him at number three on this list.
2. CJ Stroud(Ohio State):
C.J. Stroud was a Heisman finalist last year, and he's almost certain to be one again this year. His individual stats are outstanding: he ranks 15th in the nation with 3,340 passing yards, is tied for first with 37 passing touchdowns, and has thrown only six interceptions.
Notably, Stroud played in just 12 games, while the other contenders played 13. He was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team. The only factor holding Stroud back from the Heisman is his team’s overall success.
Despite finishing the regular season 11-1, Ohio State lost their most important game of the year at home to Michigan, 45-23. This devastating loss kept them out of the Big Ten Championship, though they sneaked their way into the College Football Playoff.
While Stroud may have a chance to redeem himself with a National Championship, the lack of team success and failure to reach the conference championship limit him to number two on this list.
1. Caleb Williams(USC):
Caleb Williams is my pick to win the Heisman Trophy. He is one of the most dynamic players in college football, showcasing a powerful arm and the ability to run with the speed and agility of a running back.
Williams led USC to an 11-1 record and a spot in the Pac-12 Championship. Despite losing to Utah for the second time this season, 47-24, he still put up impressive numbers with 363 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, even while playing injured.
Individually, Williams excels with 4,075 passing yards (4th in the nation), 37 touchdown passes (tied for 1st in the nation), and only four interceptions. He was also named All-Pac-12 First Team and Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.
I have him at number one because he offers the most balanced candidacy. His standout individual stats and significant team success—leading USC from a 4-8 record last year to an 11-1 regular season and a conference championship appearance—make him the top choice.
Honorable Mentions:
Blake Corum(Michigan) and Hendon Hooker(Tennessee):
Neither Blake Corum nor Hendon Hooker made the list due to injuries. If Corum hadn't been injured, he would likely be on this list. Hooker, on the other hand, was left off for two reasons: his injury sustained against South Carolina and the subsequent blowout loss to South Carolina, 63-38, which marked their second defeat of the season.
Marvin Harrison Jr.(Ohio State) and Jalin Hyatt(Tennessee):
Once again, two players don’t make the top 5 for the same reason: the Heisman Trophy is often considered a quarterback's award. The last receiver to win the award, Alabama's DeVonta Smith, had stats that were significantly superior.
To put it in perspective, Smith accumulated about 600 more receiving yards and double the touchdowns in his Heisman-winning season compared to the stats of the two receivers mentioned this year.
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