Paul Finebaum reveals how Michael Penix's play vs. Oregon impacted 2023 Heisman Trophy race

The Heisman Trophy race seemed to further come into focus Saturday thanks to the heroics of Washington star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the disappointing performance of USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

Penix threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Huskies on a game-winning touchdown drive to defeat No. 8 Oregon. Williams, on the other hand, threw three picks and finished with under 200 yards in a loss to Notre Dame.

The two games have shifted the race significantly. The defending winner, Williams was the consensus favorite heading into the weekend to repeat. Now Penix has taken over the mantle as the Heisman Trophy favorite.

In the eyes of ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum, he’s done more than that. He’s halfway towards taking it home come December.

“It was the biggest game of the year, it was the best game of the year and it was the biggest moment of the year by Michael Penix Jr,” Finebaum said Sunday on Sportscenter. “You cannot say give him the Heisman, although I’m tempted to on this Sunday morning, but he now has at least one hand wrapped around it. There are other big games that he will play and he has to continue to play well.”

Penix would become the first Huskies player to ever win the Heisman. He currently has 2,301 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions on the season, throwing for 300-plus yards in every game this year.

He is second in the country in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns but every player ahead of him has played in one more game than he has this season.

However, as Finebaum said, the race is not yet over. He also talked about a few other contenders, including Williams, Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.

“But you mentioned Caleb Williams,” Finebaum said. “In a moment like that at Notre Dame, you can let the Heisman get away. It’s hard to get it back when you start to go in the opposite direction. But Dillon Gabriel has already played in probably the second biggest game of the year. Don’t forget Jayden Daniels. His team has two losses but he is literally holding that team on his back. His team will play Alabama in three weeks so keep your eye on him in that game.”