The finalists for the prestigious Heisman Trophy have finally been named.
The four stars that will be heading to New York are Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
The 2023 Heisman Finalists: pic.twitter.com/xA6XLUqaEp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2023
The Heisman Trophy, awarded since 1935, will see its latest recipient announced this Saturday at 8pm EST. The ceremony will be broadcasted live on ESPN.
The finalists are determined by more than 870 voters, including members of the media and former Heisman winners, with the top four vote-getters making the cut.
A notable aspect of this year’s finalists is the prominence of transfer quarterbacks, with Daniels, Nix, and Penix Jr. all making the shortlist.
Only six players who have won the Heisman after playing at multiple four-year colleges, including recent winners Caleb Williams and Joe Burrow.
The Pac-12 conference boasts two Heisman finalists for the first time since 2010, with Nix and Penix Jr. This aligns with the conference’s final season in its current membership structure before undergoing significant changes, including the departure of Nix’s Ducks and Penix’s Huskies to the Big Ten.
Nix, a former Auburn standout, transferred to Oregon in 2022 and led the eighth-ranked Ducks to the Pac-12 title game. His impressive season includes a 77.2% completion percentage, 4,145 passing yards, and 40 touchdowns.
Bo Nix throws for a season-high 412 yards as No. 6 Oregon defeats USC! 🦆@OldTrapper Highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/TYqBvxHexn
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) November 12, 2023
Penix Jr., in his sixth college season, transferred to Washington in 2022 after a stint at Indiana. He has been instrumental in guiding the second-ranked Huskies to the Pac-12 title, and their second College Football Playoff appearance. He threw for 4,218 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Take your mind off bad officiating with 7 minutes of 2023 Michael Penix Jr highlights 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Could be a Viking 😈#SKOL pic.twitter.com/5HjHPIA18o
— Purple Valhalla (@norsemenstrong) December 4, 2023
Daniels, aiming to become the third LSU player to win the Heisman, has had an outstanding season, contributing significantly to the 13th-ranked Tigers 9-3 record. With 3,812 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, 1,134 rushing yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns, Daniels has dominated the SEC as a dual-threat quarterback.
Jayden Daniels rushing highlights against Texas A&M.
He's shown to be a threat all season long to gain significant yardage every time he takes off.
His burst of speed, quickness and acceleration up-field makes him a dangerous weapon with his legs. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/FB93rj4i5z
— WBG84 (@WBG84) November 30, 2023
Harrison Jr., the Ohio State receiver, rounds out the list of finalists with 67 catches, 1,211 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. His consistent threat on the field has been pivotal for the seventh-ranked Buckeyes, earning him a spot among the Heisman contenders.
Marvin Harrison Jr highlights from today pic.twitter.com/5ZzOGAPI8h
— Colton Denning (@Dubsco) October 7, 2023
Who do you think will win the Heisman???