Famous CBS analyst predicts Heisman for USC Football QB Caleb Williams
By Evan Desai
CBS Sports College Football Analyst (and former Florida State QB) Danny Kanell is already predicting USC Football Quarterback Caleb Williams as the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner. He has Williams bringing "USC back to relevance," and believes "it's a lock" if the Trojans win the Pac-12 title:
The best part about what Kanell had to say, however, was what he had to stay about how Williams "will have the stats." He clearly sees his performance continuing to be at the elite level it's been this year.
So far this season, he's completed 74.4% of his tosses, and for 10.2 yards an attempt. He's averaging 12 adjusted passing yards per attempt, and has scored 10 touchdowns (eight passing) to no interceptions. Those numbers are insane, and they make for a 190.5(!) passing efficiency rating. If Williams has these type of stats at the end of the year, Kanell has a great shot to be right.
Danny Kanell of course has an even better shot if USC football wins the Pac-12.
Danny Kanell has a great chance to be right if USC Football Quarterback Caleb Williams does indeed not only have the numbers but also the Pac-12 Championship by season's end. And they're certainly on track to do so--as they are the highest-ranked team in the conference at No. 7. The closest team in the AP Top 25 to USC is Utah at No. 13. Kanell clearly expects that to continue.
Williams will have competition of course. Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud is currently completing 72.9% of his passes on a 3-0 team where he's averaging 11.1 yards per attempt and 13.7 adjusted yards per attempt. He's tossed 11 touchdown dimes and also hasn't thrown any picks. The issue is that he's one dimensional. He only has nine rushing yards to Williams' 73. He has no rushing touchdowns.
Alabama's Bryce Young is a great quarterback too, and he'll likely contend for the Trophy. The issue is that he hasn't been as good this year as he was last year when he won the Heisman. Young is averaging only 7.6 yards per pass attempt and 8.6 adjusted yards per attempt. He has that dual-threat ability as well, though, as he's taken off 15 times for 144 yards and two rushing scores.
Williams certainly does look fantastic, though, and that's even in him playing on a running team. He's undoubtedly in the conversation for the Heisman, and even has a case to be the top contender. If he continues to put up the numbers he does, plus win like he has so far, don't be surprised to hear his name called in New York City at the end of this season.