Caleb Williams' Heisman contention gets a new competitor in Washington Huskies post-week 5 matchups

USC Trojans starting quarterback Caleb Williams is still the Heisman favorite but the gap is closing. Only one person has ever gone back-to-back winning the Heisman, and through four weeks, it looked like Williams would become the second.

Williams has been playing at a high level, but so too has Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. who has turned the Heisman in a two-horse race.

After Week 5, Caleb Williams is +180 to win, which translates to a 35.7% of winning, while Penix Jr. is +380 which translates to a 20.8% chance of winning. The next closest competitor is Quinn Ewers and Bo Nix tied for third at +900.

Entering the season, Williams' Heisman odds were around +500 and have continued to drop with each week as he continues to have success.

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Caleb Williams' 2023 season

Caleb Williams has been dominant through five weeks as he helped lead the USC Trojans to a 5-0 record.

On Saturday, Williams and the Trojans went into Colorado and beat the Buffaloes 48-41. In the game, Williams went 30-for-40 for 403 yards, six touchdowns and an interception.

USC's defense has been a problem. However, Williams' performances keep them in the hunt for winning the Pac-12 and possibly finding themselves in a college football playoff spot.

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Michael Penix Jr. closing the gap on Caleb Williams

If Caleb Williams does not win the Heisman, Michael Penix Jr. will likely be the reason why.

The Huskies improved to 5-0 on Saturday as Washington won 31-24 on the road against Arizona. In the win, Penix Jr. was 30-for-40 for 363 yards but did not throw for one touchdown pass.

This season, Penix Jr. is 133-for-178 for 1,999 yards, 16 touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Fans will get to see USC and Washington faceoff on Nov. 4 as the Huskies travel to play the Trojans. If both teams remain undefeated, that game could very well determine the Pac-12 and the Heisman.