In the first week of college football, sparks were flying. From Deion Sanders upsetting a reigning playoff team in his first game to Duke upsetting Clemson, this season is off to an absolutely spectacular start. However, in the many games played this past weekend, there were few players that stood out well beyond their peers. In this article, we will highlight the best players and possible Heisman candidates from the first official week in CFB. So strap your shoulder pads on for TUC’s early Heisman favorites after week one of college football.
Travis Hunter
In Saturday’s game against the reigning playoff participant TCU Horned Frogs, Hunter played more than one hundred and forty snaps. While playing both sides of the ball, the young prodigy reeled in 119 yards on 11 passes and snagged a game-saving interception on the goal line. Not to mention all of this work was done in 100+ degree Texas heat. When the game was over Hunter said “I’m ready to go back again” furthering his status as an absolute dog on the field and possible future Heisman candidate.
Caleb Williams
After two games, the reigning Heisman winner has thrown for 597 yards and 9 touchdowns on 73.5% completion percentage. Williams’ play through week one has already accumulated dominating wins over Nevada (66-14) and San Jose State (56-28). With a current passer rating of 236.4, Williams is looking as good as ever slinging the football. If USC can continue to win big, look out for William’s to repeat his appearance at the Heisman trophy ceremony.
Shedeur Sanders
Son of Deion Sanders, Shedeur did not disappoint in his debut with the Colorado Buffaloes. Against TCU, the talented quarterback threw for over 500 passing yards and 4 touchdowns on a whopping 80% completion rate. This performance broke nine school records, most notably Colorado’s single-game passing record of 474 yards. After the game Shedeur took to Twitter to respond to doubters “Do you BELIEVE now?”. With so much hate against Colorado before the season, the Buffaloes are silencing the crowd with Heisman-level performances in their first showing on the field.
Michael Penix Jr.
Since joining the Washington Huskies in 2021, Penix has been playing at an extremely high level. While dismantling the Boise State Broncos in week one, Penix threw for 450 passing yards and 5 touchdowns on 72.5% completion rate. After finishing eighth in the 2022 Heisman voting, the Huskies quarterback is looking to repeat an amazing season as he becomes a hopeful for Heisman contention after the commencement of the first week in college football.
Jordan Travis
The 6th year college graduate led his team to an absolute dismantling of the #8 LSU Tigers this past Sunday. With the help of talented transfer wide receiver Keon Coleman, Travis threw for 342 yards and 4 touchdowns while competing against one of the best defenses in the entire nation. With Florida State having one of the easier schedules in 2023, look out for Jordan Travis and the Seminoles to win out and compete for the Heisman trophy.
