As the PCFB season barrels toward its defining stretch, the Heisman Trophy race is beginning to separate contenders from pretenders. Week 9 has brought more clarity, but not consensus. Quarterbacks continue to dominate the conversation, yet elite production at wide receiver and running back is keeping the door open for a late surge. With statement games looming and margins razor-thin, here’s where the race stands heading into Week 9.
1. Grayson Wilson, QB, USF
2,749 passing yards | 25 TDs | 2 INTs | 435 rushing yards
Grayson Wilson remains the standard in the Heisman race and continues to do everything required of a frontrunner. His blend of efficiency, volume, and explosiveness has propelled USF into national relevance, and his stat line is as clean as any quarterback in the country. Just two interceptions through nine weeks speaks volumes about his decision-making, while his 25 passing touchdowns highlight his ability to finish drives.
What truly separates Wilson, however, is his impact as a runner. With 435 rushing yards, he’s not just escaping pressure — he’s actively stressing defenses and extending drives with his legs. He has become the ultimate problem-solver at the quarterback position, capable of beating opponents in structure or chaos. If the season ended today, Wilson’s combination of production and consistency would make him the clear favorite.
2. Duce Knight, QB, Auburn
2,133 passing yards | 21 TDs | 4 INTs | 226 rushing yards
Duce Knight has quietly kept himself firmly in the hunt. While his raw numbers trail Wilson’s, his efficiency and leadership within Auburn’s offense have been undeniable. Knight has been at his best in high-leverage moments, delivering timely throws and commanding the offense with confidence.
His 21 touchdown passes paired with just four interceptions show a quarterback who understands risk versus reward. Add in 226 rushing yards, and Knight’s mobility becomes another layer defenses must account for. Auburn’s success has mirrored Knight’s steady rise, and a signature win down the stretch could quickly close the gap between him and the current frontrunner.
3. Colin Joseph, QB, Notre Dame
1,953 passing yards | 18 TDs | 3 INTs | 232 rushing yards
Colin Joseph continues to embody everything Notre Dame asks of its quarterback. He may not put up the flashiest numbers, but his efficiency, poise, and balance keep him squarely in the Heisman conversation. With just three interceptions on the season, Joseph has been one of the most reliable signal-callers in the country.
His 232 rushing yards underline his ability to move the chains when needed, and his command of the offense has kept Notre Dame competitive week in and week out. Joseph’s case hinges less on eye-popping totals and more on winning football games. If Notre Dame makes a strong push late in the season, expect his name to rise quickly.
4. Mazeo Bennett Jr., WR, Tennessee
47 receptions | 752 yards | 10 TDs
Breaking into a quarterback-heavy race is never easy, but Mazeo Bennett Jr. has done exactly that. Tennessee’s explosive wideout has been one of the most dangerous weapons in the country, turning limited touches into massive production. His 10 touchdowns on 47 catches highlight his big-play ability and red-zone dominance.
Bennett’s presence changes defensive game plans entirely. Safeties shade his side of the field, corners play off coverage, and yet he still finds ways to produce. While receivers face an uphill climb in the Heisman race, Bennett’s continued highlight-reel performances keep him firmly in contention as the season progresses.
5. JP Powell, RB, Middle Tennessee State
689 rushing yards | 9 rushing TDs | 159 receiving yards
JP Powell rounds out the Week 9 top five and represents the lone running back in the current Heisman picture. Powell has been the engine of Middle Tennessee State’s offense, combining power, vision, and versatility to rack up yards on the ground and through the air.
His nine rushing touchdowns reflect his reliability near the goal line, while his 159 receiving yards show he’s more than just a traditional ball carrier. Powell’s Heisman hopes hinge on volume and visibility, but if he continues to shoulder the offensive load and deliver big performances, he could climb even higher.
Heisman Outlook Moving Forward
With several weeks still remaining, the race is far from settled. Grayson Wilson holds the edge thanks to elite production and consistency, but quarterbacks like Duce Knight and Colin Joseph remain within striking distance. Meanwhile, Mazeo Bennett Jr. and JP Powell represent the ever-present possibility of a non-quarterback breaking through if their dominance continues.
As conference play intensifies and marquee matchups loom, every snap matters. One breakout performance — or one costly mistake — could completely reshape the Heisman landscape. Week 9 has set the stage. Now, the race truly begins.
