The Heisman Trophy Conversation: LSU QB Jayden Daniels Surging

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has played lights out for the Tigers this season as he continues solidifying his name in the Heisman Trophy conversation.

Daniels has propelled the LSU offense to new heights this year, and as the back half of the season takes shape, the Tigers' QB1 has the chance to make his way to New York City as a finalist for the prestigious award.

Brian Kelly has already provided his two cents when it comes to Daniels and the award. The numbers his signal-caller has put up on a routine basis ranks among the best of them in college football and Kelly once again chimed in on the award during Monday's press conference.

Brian Kelly Weighs In:

“The Heisman has become such a promotional piece and the flavor of the week. I’ve told the guys I’ve been involved with, ‘look you’re not going to have control over this other than being consistent in the things you do. They’re going to have opinions that range from one side to the other. Your focus is consistency and performance. It will take care of itself.’” Kelly said. “Other than that, they’ll say ‘well you’re not playing well enough on defense’, which has nothing to do with the Heisman. If that was the case, they should have not given the Heisman to Caleb [Williams] last year when they lost to Tulane. The fact of the matter is it’s about your consistency and performance and the rest of the narratives will float from A to Z and you can’t focus on those.”

The Heisman Conversation:

Here He Comes: LSU QB Jayden Daniels

It's no secret Daniels has had his back against the wall in the Heisman Trophy conversation after LSU suffered two early-season losses, but the Tigers' signal-caller is surging as of late.

The third best odds to take home the award, Daniels is on pace to be a finalist and make his way to New York City.

The Numbers: 2,573 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 73.1 completion percentage. On the ground? 521 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Vegas Odds: +300 (Caesars Sportsbook)

Dropped a Spot: Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.

Penix Jr. is in the midst of a historic season with the Huskies. The dynamic lefty has flown to the top over the last few weeks with the best odds to take home the award. After an underwhelming Saturday night, Penix now sits with the second best odds.

The Numbers: 2,576 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 70.8 completion percentage

Vegas Odds: +280 (Caesars Sportsbook)

The Riser: Michigan QB JJ McCarthy

Michigan signal-caller JJ McCarthy is riding a high in Ann Arbor as the Wolverines continue a dominant 2023 campaign. McCarthy and Co. took down Michigan State 49-0 in Week 8, further establishing himself as a top candidate for the award.

The Wolverines sit at No. 2 in the AP Poll with their quarterback flying up the Heisman odds to the top spot after Week 8.

The Numbers: 1,799 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 78.1 completion percentage. On the ground? 168 rushing yards and 3 scores.

Vegas Odds: +230 (Caesars Sportsbook)

Exiting The Conversation: USC QB Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams entered the season with an opportunity to take home back-to-back Heisman's, but after an embarrassing loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last week followed by a loss to Utah, it's put a damper in Williams' chances to take home the trophy once again.

The likely No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has been on a tear this season, but after a difficult showing against Notre Dame, Williams saw his Heisman odds plummet with the Trojans falling to No. 18 in the AP Poll.

The Numbers: 2,277 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 70 completion percentage. On the ground? 143 rushing yards with 7 touchdowns.

Vegas Odds: +6000 (Caesars Sportsbook)