Former USC Trojan Heisman Winner Predicts A Certain Michigan Player As A Darkhorse Candidate

It's no secret Fox Sports' analyst, Matt Leinart loves himself some USC Trojans and Caleb Williams. Leinart played for the Trojans from 2001-2005 and won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 before becoming a first-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.

But after Williams and USC went crumbling to the ground against Notre Dame on Saturday, it looks like Leinart has someone else in mind who may make waves.

On Sunday evening, Leinart sent out a tweet saying "JJ McCarthy dark horse Heisman. Book it!"

JJ McCarthy dark horse Heisman. Book it!
— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) October 15, 2023

Michael Penix from Washington may have something to say about that, and Caleb Williams will most likely be right in the running if not win the award for the second year in a row, but McCarthy has a right to be in the talk through seven games.

McCarthy's stats don't jump off the sheet, but when you remember that he doesn't play in the fourth quarters of most games, it makes you think more highly of what he's done this season.

McCarthy is No. 2 in the nation completing 78.2% of his throws this season. He passed for 1,512 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. The Wolverines star QB has been playing out of his mind this season, save for the Bowling Green game. He's aware of his surroundings and makes the right reads.

There's still a ton of football left in the season, but if the Heisman Trophy ceremony was on Monday, it's hard to believe McCarthy wouldn't be invited to New York.