Five weeks into the PCFB season, the race for the Heisman Trophy is beginning to separate into clear tiers. While the preseason favorites drew most of the early attention, several new stars have emerged and are now firmly in control of the national conversation.
Once again, the quarterback position dominates the race, with four signal callers leading the charge thanks to explosive production and strong leadership for their respective programs. However, one elite running back has forced his way into the discussion with a powerful start that has carried his team to early-season success.
With conference play intensifying and the national spotlight growing brighter each week, every performance now carries major Heisman implications.
Here is the PCFB Week 5 Heisman Top 5.
Week 5 Heisman Rankings
- QB Chris Denson – Virginia Tech Hokies
- QB Paul Webster – Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- QB Shawn Lee – Pittsburgh Panthers
- RB James Giguere – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- QB Weston Bryan – Tennessee Volunteers
1. Chris Denson – Virginia Tech’s Dynamic Playmaker Takes the Lead
The biggest change in the Week 5 Heisman race is the rise of Chris Denson, who now sits atop the leaderboard after another strong performance for Virginia Tech.
Season Stats
- 1,247 passing yards
- 15 passing touchdowns
- 2 interceptions
- 167 rushing yards
Denson’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways has made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country. His passing numbers are impressive on their own, but his ability to extend plays with his legs adds another layer that makes defending him incredibly difficult.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Denson’s season has been his efficiency. With only two interceptions to go along with 15 touchdown passes, he has consistently made smart decisions while still pushing the ball downfield.
Virginia Tech’s offense runs entirely through Denson, and as long as the Hokies continue winning games, he will remain firmly in the driver’s seat for the Heisman Trophy.
2. Paul Webster – Wake Forest’s Model of Efficiency
Climbing into the No. 2 spot this week is Wake Forest quarterback Paul Webster, who continues to quietly assemble one of the most impressive statistical seasons in the country.
Season Stats
- 1,148 passing yards
- 10 passing touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 153 rushing yards
The most eye-catching number here is obvious: zero interceptions.
In an era where quarterbacks are constantly pushing the ball downfield, Webster’s ability to protect the football has become a defining part of his Heisman résumé. His decision-making has been exceptional, allowing Wake Forest’s offense to operate smoothly without costly mistakes.
Webster also adds value as a runner, picking up key first downs and extending drives when defenses focus too heavily on the passing game.
If he continues this mistake-free brand of football, Webster could easily climb even higher in the race.
3. Shawn Lee – Pittsburgh’s Early Leader Holds Strong
After leading the Week 4 rankings, Shawn Lee slips slightly to third but remains firmly in the Heisman conversation.
Season Stats
- 1,370 passing yards
- 15 passing touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 95 rushing yards
Lee still boasts the most passing yards among the top candidates, and his touchdown production remains elite. His combination of deep-ball accuracy and pocket awareness has made Pittsburgh’s offense one of the most explosive units in the country.
One of the biggest advantages Lee has in the Heisman race is his connection with star receiver Dionte Kilgo. Together, the duo has produced some of the most exciting offensive plays of the season.
If Pittsburgh continues stacking wins and Lee maintains this level of production, he could easily reclaim the top spot in the coming weeks.
4. James Giguere – Notre Dame’s Workhorse Running Back
Breaking up the quarterback-heavy list is Notre Dame running back James Giguere, who has powered his way into the Heisman race with a dominant start to the season.
Season Stats
- 617 rushing yards
- 7 rushing touchdowns
- 6 receptions
- 60 receiving yards
Giguere has been the engine of Notre Dame’s offense, consistently wearing down opposing defenses with his physical running style. His ability to break tackles and grind out tough yardage has helped the Irish control the pace of games.
Unlike some running backs who rely purely on speed, Giguere’s strength and vision allow him to find holes even when blocking breaks down.
Running backs rarely win the Heisman in the modern era, but if Giguere continues producing huge rushing totals while carrying Notre Dame to victories, voters may have no choice but to keep him firmly in the conversation.
5. Weston Bryan – Tennessee’s Explosive Quarterback
Rounding out the Week 5 rankings is Weston Bryan, the quarterback leading Tennessee’s high-powered offense.
Season Stats
- 1,312 passing yards
- 12 passing touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 89 rushing yards
Bryan has been one of the most explosive passers in college football this season. His arm strength and aggressive downfield approach have turned Tennessee’s offense into one of the most dangerous units in the country.
What makes Bryan particularly impressive is his ability to combine big-play potential with efficiency. Despite Tennessee’s aggressive offensive style, he has thrown only one interception so far this season.
If the Volunteers continue climbing the national rankings, Bryan’s production could quickly push him further up the Heisman leaderboard.
Biggest Changes From Week 4
The Week 5 update brought several notable changes to the Heisman race:
Chris Denson Takes the Lead
Virginia Tech’s dual-threat quarterback now sits at No. 1 thanks to his continued production and leadership.
Paul Webster’s Efficiency Is Impossible to Ignore
His zero-interception stat line has propelled him into the No. 2 position.
Running Back Representation Returns
James Giguere gives the race its first true running back contender of the season.
Weston Bryan Enters the Conversation
The Tennessee quarterback makes his debut in the Top 5 after leading one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.
What Will Decide the Race
With more than half the season still remaining, several factors will ultimately determine who takes home the Heisman Trophy.
Signature Performances
Big games against ranked opponents often define the race.
Team Success
Heisman winners almost always come from teams competing for conference titles or playoff spots.
Consistency
Avoiding bad games is just as important as producing highlight-reel performances.
Late-Season Momentum
November performances frequently shape the final voting narrative.
Final Thoughts
The Week 5 Heisman race shows just how unpredictable college football can be.
Chris Denson’s dual-threat brilliance has pushed him to the top. Paul Webster’s flawless efficiency keeps him close behind. Shawn Lee continues to put up massive passing numbers for Pittsburgh. James Giguere is carrying Notre Dame’s offense with powerful rushing performances. And Weston Bryan has turned Tennessee into one of the nation’s most explosive teams.
With conference races heating up and national attention growing each week, the battle for college football’s most prestigious individual award is only beginning.
And if the first five weeks are any indication, the road to the Heisman Trophy is going to be a thrilling one.
