ESPN reveals way too early top Heisman contenders for 2023

Caleb Williams just hoisted the Heisman Trophy, but ESPN is already looking towards who can win the prestigious honor next season.

“The 2022 Heisman Trophy ceremony has come and gone, and college football’s top honor went to a player who now will have a chance to become just the second player to win the award twice, joining Ohio State’s Archie Griffin (1974 and ’75),” wrote ESPN. “USC’s Caleb Williams won the award but still has multiple seasons to play before taking his talents to the NFL. Stetson Bennett, C.J. Stroud and Max Duggan had great years and led their teams to the College Football Playoff, but Williams’ outstanding season couldn’t be topped in voters’ minds.

“It’s never too early to look ahead at next year’s contenders, led by Williams. A look at the 2023 Heisman race.”

Alas, Heisman Trophy winners come in all shapes and sizes, and ESPN grouped them so. While Williams leads their top contenders bracket, there’s also a tier for rising stars, players who can get some momentum going and redemption stories.

Regardless, it’s always tough to predict who’s going to capture the Heisman Trophy, and this past season was a perfect example of it. Nevertheless, here’s who ESPN believes the top contenders for the 2023 Heisman Trophy are.

Way too earlier top Heisman Trophy contenders for 2023, per ESPN:

Top Contenders

• QB Caleb Williams, USC Trojans
• QB Drake Maye, North Carolina Tar Heels
• QB Chandler Morris, TCU Horned Frogs

Up-and-Comers

• QB Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns
• QB Kyle McCord, Ohio State Buckeyes
• QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers

Momentum Players

• QB Jordan Travis, Florida State Seminoles
• QB Tyler Shough, Texas Tech Red Raiders
• QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington Huskies
• RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan Wolverines
• WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State Buckeyes
• QB Jayden Daniels, LSU Tigers

Redemption Stories

• QB Devin Leary, Formerly NC State Wolfpack (Transfer Portal)
• QB Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma Sooners