Photo by Meghan Hessler on Unsplash

It is college football season which means it is time for members of the media, those with podcasts, or anyone with a blog to release their way to early Heisman rankings. As a member of two of those groups, it is my duty to release my way-too-early Heisman rankings today.

Keep in mind that these rankings are not meant to be agreeable to all and should only be used to start a conversation among football lovers.

Week 2 Heisman Rankings:

1. Caleb Williams, QB USC: 878 yards, 12 Touchdowns

• After a stellar Heisman-winning season in 2022, everybody around the sport saw what Williams was capable of and he has been just as capable in 2023. After putting his team up 49-3 against Stanford last week Williams was taken out and didn’t play another snap. Williams ended the half with 281 yards and three touchdowns.

2. Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado: 903 yards, 6 Touchdowns

• Sanders has put on a show this season. His first game was a win over the College Football Playoff National Champion runners-up, TCU. Sanders broke the Colorado single-game passing yardage record with 501 yards en route to the 45-42 win. He may be the most exciting college quarterback to watch since Joe Burrow.

3. Quinn Ewers, QB Texas: 609 yards, 6 Touchdowns

• Ewers led his team to the best win in college football this season against Alabama. Ewers hit on the opportunities given to him, throwing for 349 yards and three touchdowns, leading his team to a win over no. 4 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

4. Michael Penix Jr., QB Washington: 859 yards, 8 Touchdowns

• In the offseason, Penix won the Manning Passing Academy, the premier summer quarterback camp in the country, and it has translated to his play this season. Penix has aired the ball out, throwing for 400+ yards and 3+ touchdown passes in Washington’s first two games.

5. Sam Hartman, QB Notre Dame: 731 yards, 10 Touchdowns, 75% Completion Percentage

• Hartman has quietly put together a great three games. Much of the reason he has put up these numbers is a sound-rushing game, which has allowed Hartman’s efficiency to jump from a completion percentage of 63.1% to this year’s mark of 75%. Hartman has not had to be Notre Dame’s Superman and has played better football because of it.

Dark Horse: 

Audric Estime, RB Notre Dame: 345 yards, 4 Touchdowns, 55 Receiving yards

• Estime is a major part of the Irish’s success and has been vital to Sam Hartman’s high passing efficiency. The Notre Dame running back has rushed for 90+ yards and one or more touchdowns in each of his three games.

Cameron Ward, QB Washington State: 663 yards, 83 Rushing yards, 6 Total Touchdowns

• Last week, Ward led the Cougars to their second win over a ranked team when they beat no. 19 Wisconsin. Ward got it done through the air and on the ground. He threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 43 yards. 

Roman Wilson, WR Michigan: 167 yards, 5 Receiving Touchdowns

• Wilson has been Michigan’s top receiver through two games, racking up 167 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions. If he can keep up this production, he should be a finalist for the Biletnikoff Trophy(Best receiver).