Four weeks into the PCFB season, the Heisman Trophy race is already taking shape—and it looks very different from the preseason projections. Early favorites have slipped out of the spotlight while new stars have surged forward with dominant performances.
Quarterbacks are once again leading the race, but an explosive wide receiver and a touchdown machine at running back have forced their way into the conversation. With conference play heating up, the next few weeks could completely reshape the race.
Here’s a look at the updated Week 4 Heisman Top 5 and the performances that have pushed these players to the front of the national spotlight.
Week 4 Heisman Top 5
- QB Shawn Lee – Pittsburgh Panthers
- QB Chris Denson – Virginia Tech Hokies
- WR Dionte Kilgo – Pittsburgh Panthers
- QB Paul Webster – Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- RB Zach Reddick – Michigan Wolverines
1. Shawn Lee – Pittsburgh’s Breakout Superstar
No player has exploded onto the national stage faster than Shawn Lee. The Pittsburgh quarterback has been nearly flawless through the first four games and now sits firmly atop the Heisman race.
Stats Through Week 4
- 1,370 passing yards
- 15 passing touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 95 rushing yards
Lee’s numbers are impressive, but what truly stands out is his efficiency. With only one interception so far, he’s making smart decisions while still pushing the ball downfield. Pittsburgh’s offense has become one of the most dangerous units in the country thanks to his leadership.
Lee also benefits from elite chemistry with wide receiver Dionte Kilgo, giving Pittsburgh one of the most explosive quarterback–receiver combinations in the nation.
If Lee continues producing at this level while leading the Panthers to wins, he could quickly become the clear Heisman favorite.
2. Chris Denson – Virginia Tech’s Dual-Threat Leader
Virginia Tech quarterback Chris Denson has been just as impressive, showcasing the kind of dual-threat ability that Heisman voters love.
Stats Through Week 4
- 983 passing yards
- 14 passing touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 138 rushing yards
Denson’s ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground has made him incredibly difficult to defend. His 14 passing touchdowns show his effectiveness in the red zone, while his mobility forces defenses to account for him on every play.
What stands out most is his touchdown-to-interception ratio. Like Lee, Denson has protected the football extremely well, giving his team a chance to win every week.
If Virginia Tech continues to climb in the rankings, Denson’s national profile will only grow stronger.
3. Dionte Kilgo – The Nation’s Most Dangerous Receiver
It’s rare for a wide receiver to sit this high in the Heisman race, but Dionte Kilgo has been impossible to ignore.
Stats Through Week 4
- 25 receptions
- 547 receiving yards
- 3 touchdowns
Kilgo has been the ultimate big-play weapon for Pittsburgh. Averaging nearly 22 yards per catch, he stretches defenses vertically and creates explosive plays whenever he touches the ball.
His connection with quarterback Shawn Lee has been a major reason Pittsburgh’s offense has exploded early this season.
Wide receivers rarely win the Heisman Trophy, but if Kilgo continues producing massive yardage totals and highlight-reel plays, he could stay firmly in the conversation.
4. Paul Webster – Wake Forest’s Efficient Playmaker
Wake Forest quarterback Paul Webster may not have the same passing totals as some of the other candidates, but his efficiency has been outstanding.
Stats Through Week 4
- 873 passing yards
- 8 passing touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 122 rushing yards
The most impressive number in Webster’s stat line is the zero interceptions. Protecting the football while still leading an effective offense has made him one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the country.
Webster also adds value as a runner, extending plays and picking up key first downs with his legs. That dual-threat capability keeps defenses honest and opens up opportunities for Wake Forest’s offense.
If the Demon Deacons continue winning games, Webster’s clean stat line could become one of the strongest Heisman résumés in the country.
5. Zach Reddick – Michigan’s Touchdown Machine
Running backs often need eye-popping numbers to stay in the Heisman conversation, and Michigan’s Zach Reddick is doing exactly that.
Stats Through Week 4
- 41 carries
- 212 rushing yards
- 9 rushing touchdowns
While his yardage total isn’t massive yet, Reddick has been nearly unstoppable in the red zone. His nine rushing touchdowns lead many of the nation’s skill players and have played a huge role in Michigan’s strong start to the season.
Reddick’s physical running style fits perfectly with Michigan’s offense, allowing the Wolverines to control the clock and dominate near the goal line.
If his carry total increases as the season progresses, Reddick could quickly climb even higher in the Heisman race.
How the Race Has Changed Since the Preseason
The biggest story in the Heisman race is how dramatically it has shifted from the preseason expectations.
Early candidates like quarterbacks from powerhouse programs were expected to dominate the conversation. Instead, new stars from programs like Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest have surged into the spotlight.
Shawn Lee and Chris Denson have replaced many of the preseason favorites thanks to their explosive starts, while Dionte Kilgo has emerged as one of the most exciting non-quarterback candidates in the country.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s Zach Reddick has quietly built a strong case with his touchdown production.
What Could Change the Race
The Heisman race is still very early, and several factors could dramatically reshape the standings:
Conference Play – Big games against ranked opponents will give candidates chances to shine on the national stage.
Statistical Breakouts – One massive performance can completely change the narrative.
Team Success – Heisman voters almost always favor players from winning teams.
Signature Moments – Game-winning drives, huge rivalry performances, or record-breaking nights often define the race.
Final Thoughts
After four weeks, the Heisman race is already one of the most exciting storylines in PCFB.
Shawn Lee leads the charge with elite passing production. Chris Denson is right behind him with dual-threat brilliance. Dionte Kilgo continues to dominate as the nation’s top receiving weapon. Paul Webster is quietly putting together one of the cleanest stat lines in the country. And Zach Reddick is proving that running backs can still dominate the award race.
With most of the season still ahead, the battle for college football’s most prestigious individual award is just getting started.
And if the first four weeks are any indication, this race could stay unpredictable all the way to the end.
