Bo Nix notably missing from list of potential Heisman winners in 2023
We don’t like to criticize other publications, including online ones such as DucksWire. It’s a difficult space and competition is tough. We all work hard at what we do and try to be as knowledgeable about the sports we cover.
Unfortunately, when there is a glaring omission in Top 10 lists that are put out, we feel it’s important to point out the error of their ways, especially when omissions are certain Oregon Duck players.
This occurred when our buddies at On3.com came up with their Top 10 Heisman candidates. There are the usual suspects such as USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
On this list, there are nine quarterbacks and receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. from Ohio State, who might actually win the award this season.
Top 10 Heisman Trophy Candidates per @JesseReSimonton🏆
Do you agree? 🤔https://t.co/sopz2s0P3c pic.twitter.com/ydiZEhIwnd
— On3 (@On3sports) June 12, 2023
Not on the list is Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. Essentially. they’re saying there are nine better quarterbacks in the country than the Ducks’ QB1.
It’s difficult to believe after the season last year Nix turned in that there are nine better quarterbacks than him. If we have to include Nix, someone, or more than one, needs to be dropped off that list like a bad habit.
The first obvious choice is Clemson sophomore signal caller Cade Klubnik, who was No. 9 on the list. He had a grand total of 100 pass attempts last season. Klubnik is projected to be the starter for the Tigers, but he hasn’t accomplished anything or enough to say he’s better than Nix.
Michigan’s JJ McCarthy is No. 4 had a nice season for the Wolverines and led them to the College Football Playoffs, but statistically, he’s not better than Nix, who had more yards, touchdowns, and a better completion percentage than McCarthy.
The last “questionable” player on the list is LSU and former Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels. He had a good, but not great, season for the Tigers in 2022. He’s also a fifth-year senior that has a grand total of 49 career touchdowns. In comparison, Nix had 44 total touchdowns last season alone.
It’s generally accepted that Nix is going to have a monster season for Oregon in 2023 provided he stays healthy. He’s never had this many and as talented of weapons as he will with the 2023 Ducks. Oregon might have the best receiving corps in the Pac-12 with Troy Franklin, Kris Hutson, Traeshon Holden, Tez Johnson plus tight ends such as Patrick Herbert and Terrance Ferguson (assuming he’s healthy in the fall).
Oregon’s running backs can also catch the ball out of the backfield. Nix had 3,593 yards last season and he could surpass that total in 2023.
Will Nix win the Heisman or even go to the ceremony in New York? Probably not. But to think there are nine quarterbacks ahead of him is ludicrous and should provide even more motivation for Oregon’s fifth-year senior to dominate in 2023.
