Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has regained his position as the frontrunner in the 2023 Heisman odds following a stellar performance against Stanford. Penix led the Huskies to a 42-33 victory with four touchdown passes, solidifying his status as one of the top contenders for the prestigious award. Despite having a bye week, Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy slipped to second place in the odds.
Here are the updated Heisman odds after Week 9:
– Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington): +260
– J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan): +300
– Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU): +450
– Bo Nix (QB, Oregon): +600
– Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State): +750
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook (USA), Bodog Sportsbook (Canada)
In his remarkable performance, Penix came through in a crucial moment during the game against Stanford. With the Huskies leading by only two points and facing a third-and-8 situation, Penix delivered a 15-yard pass to Germie Bernard and followed it up with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Devin Culp, extending their lead to 35-26.
Following this standout performance, FanDuel adjusted Penix’s Heisman odds from +288 to +260, making him the favorite once again. Although his chances of winning the Heisman are still relatively low at 27.55%, Penix will have the opportunity to enhance his odds in the upcoming weeks as Washington takes on USC and Utah. USC’s struggling defense and Utah’s recent loss to Oregon give Penix a favorable chance to continue his impressive form.
While Penix’s stock rose, McCarthy’s odds lengthened from +233 to +300 despite not playing in Week 9. Michigan’s junior quarterback had a bye week, but his main competitor, Penix, performed exceptionally well, prompting the odds adjustment. McCarthy’s chances of winning the Heisman are still valued at 26.7%, indicating that oddsmakers are not overly concerned about potential distractions, such as the sign-stealing scandal currently surrounding Michigan.
The highly anticipated rivalry game between Michigan and Ohio State, known as “The Game,” may serve as McCarthy’s opportunity to make his Heisman moment. However, his chances face stiff competition from his teammate Marvin Harrison Jr., who is currently considered a popular Heisman longshot. Harrison Jr.’s value surpasses McCarthy’s at the moment, especially considering McCarthy’s tougher competition in Penix, who outperforms him in several statistical categories.
Another name gaining traction in the Heisman odds is Jayden Daniels from LSU. Although Daniels had a bye week, he will have a chance to make his mark in Week 10 against Alabama. FanDuel extended his odds from +343 to +450 during his idle week.
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix saw a significant improvement in his Heisman odds following a dominant win over Utah, where he accounted for three touchdowns. FanDuel adjusted his odds from +1460 to +600, putting him back in the race.
As the race for the Heisman Trophy continues, all eyes will be on Penix as he aims to solidify his position as the favorite. McCarthy, Daniels, Nix, and other contenders will look to make their own mark in the upcoming weeks.
