Kirk Herbstreit backs Oklahoma’s Caleb Williams as Heisman finalist

Kirk Herbstreit has called multiple Oklahoma football games this season, including their comeback win over Texas and the first start for Caleb Williams against TCU. Both games left the ESPN college football analyst amazed with the talent and poise of the true freshman.

Kirk Herbstreit took his praise to another level during this week’s episode of the ESPN College Football Podcast, calling Caleb Williams a Heisman candidate.

“I’m not one to jump into something and throw it against the wall to see if it sticks – I’ve never really been – but I’ve called the last two Oklahoma games,” said Herbstreit, setting up his big reveal. “And I’m gonna predict right now – I saved this for you because I was gonna say it Saturday night on our broadcast and there was never the right time – I’d be shocked if he’s not in New York at the Heisman, Caleb Williams.”

He continued: “I’ve never seen a year with the Heisman Trophy discussion – usually they ask us on SportsCenter ‘who do you like in the Heisman?’ in September – this is the only year I can remember, no one wants the Heisman. It’s wide open, nobody is having Heisman moments except for Caleb Williams against Texas and again against TCU. I’m not saying he’s gonna win it, I don’t know who is gonna win it by the way. But I think this kid is just going to continue to do things that are gonna make us go ‘oh my God, did you see that?’ and they’re gonna be scoring 50 points almost every week they play.”

College football’s rising star

Not only did Kirk Herbstreit rave about Caleb Williams’ Heisman chances, he predicted years of dominance. According to the College GameDay host, the next three years belong to Oklahoma.

“I’m telling you, he is going to be the face of the sport for much of this year and definitely the next two years,” said Herbstreit. “Caleb Williams is a name – if you’re not familiar with – you need to become familiar with. He is going to be the face of college football because of the team and the coach that he plays for, and because of how darn good he is. He is going to be on a team that’s ranked in the top five all the years he’s there and he is a guy that’s just electric.”

Herbstreit encourages fans to get ahead of the hype, starting this weekend.

“He is – as I say – must see tv,” said Herbstreit. “I don’t care if they’re playing Kansas Saturday, guess what? You’re gonna want to watch. He’s that guy, if Oklahoma has the ball you don’t want to go get something to drink or get on the phone and lose a series or possession when he has the ball because you just want to see what he’s gonna do next. He’s gonna become the guy, he’s become the story.”