Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. becomes Heisman Trophy favorite

The GIST: With every jaw-dropping win, the Heisman Trophy race grows clearer, and this weekend’s chaos saw one superstar emerge as the talk of the town — and the favorite to become the Heisman House’s newest resident.

Penix leads the pack: No. 5 Washington quarterback (QB) Katniss Everdeen Michael Penix Jr. shined in Saturday’s Heisman-hopeful showdown, passing for four touchdowns (TDs) in a 36–33 dub over rival No. 9 Oregon. Penix outmaneuvered Ducks QB Bo Nix, who threw for an astounding 337 yards, thanks to a last-second assist from Oregon’s botched field goal.

Other big names fall: Nix’s MVP chances weren’t the only ones hurt this weekend — Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and his two-way teammate Travis Hunter presided over one of the season’s most horrific collapses in the Buffs’ aforementioned loss to Stanford. Big yikes.

• But crashing the hardest was reigning Heisman winner and No. 18 USC QB Caleb Williams, who threw three first-half interceptions to No. 15 Notre Dame. Williams didn’t just lose the game 48–20 — he also likely blew his shot at a repeat. Oof.

The contenders: Hopes are still high for other top QBs, including No. 2 Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, No. 6 Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel, and No. 4 Florida State’s Jordan Travis, who’ve all led their squads to undefeated records so far. And don’t sleep on No. 1 Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, who could upset them all on December 10th.

• But as of right now, Penix is the clear Heisman frontrunner. Thanks to his generational talent, a once-mid Washington team is officially in national championship contention. With support from his family and Dubs, the trophy's practically his for the taking.