Heisman Trophy Candidates for Big Ten
Big Ten Has Unusual Options
USC’s quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams has a clear lead in College Football odds to repeat in 2023. However, the Big Ten does have some unconventional options to challenge for the award.
College Football lines usually lean toward the quarterbacks, but the Big Ten conference lacks top-end talent at that position. While that could be an issue, the conference has a lot of talented running backs and a wide receiver that could have decent NCAA odds to compete for the Heisman.

History is not on the side of non-quarterbacks winning the award, but due to the talent in the Big Ten, maybe some College Football predictions could change.
Quarterback Question Marks
Even with the Big Ten not featuring some of the best quarterbacks, sportsbooks will always give the position an edge for the Heisman. That makes it hard not to include any quarterbacks as potential candidates.
J.J. McCarthy, from Michigan, might be the best option at quarterback. He had the fifth most passing yards last season and was tied for third in touchdowns. The Wolverines did go undefeated in the 2022 regular season, making it to the College Football Playoffs. McCarthy played well in that team’s only playoff game, throwing for 343 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. If the Wolverines could replicate that success, and McCarthy puts up better numbers, maybe there is more Heisman buzz around him.
There are other quarterbacks who could be options in NCAA football odds. This will be the first season that Drew Allar from Penn State and Ohio State’s Kyle McCord will be starting. However, the teams around them are good, which could overshadow any early-season struggles. They also will likely put up bigger numbers, due to playing on the more talented team in most games.
Runnings Back Take Charge
Running back is an exciting position in the Big Ten, with some of the best in the nation. However, only three running backs have won the Heisman since 2000, making it rare.
On the other hand, Michigan’s running back Blake Corum was making a case to win the Heisman before tearing his ACL in the final regular season game. He has returned for his senior season, making him a candidate. But, Corum’s backup, Donovan Edwards, played well, which could hurt his chances of winning the award, now possibly having to split carries.
A long shot is Nick Singleton out of Penn State. The ball will be put in his hands a lot this season with a new quarterback starting. Last season he was one of the most exciting players, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Singleton’s big play ability could help him have a better season while drawing more media coverage, headlining College Football news with his long runs.
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The Top Option is a Receiver
Many believe Ohio State’s wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr. to be College Football’s best non-quarterback offensive player. He won the award for best receiver last season with 77 catches, 1,263 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Harrison did that while the wide receiver who lined up next to him was drafted in the first round.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (@MarvHarrisonJr)
Stats: 88 rec., 1,402 yards, 17 TD (and counting) pic.twitter.com/1dUfgwsOdq— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) June 6, 2023
Harrison will become the most reliable target for a new quarterback, which should get him more targets. If that happens, it still may be hard for him to win the Heisman, but there is a chance if Harrison has a record-setting season.