The Heisman race this season is tighter than ever. Players like CJ Stroud, Hendon Hooker, and Bijan Robinson are highlighted across the media. But in Eugene, an unlikely name is making their case late in the year. Bo Nix has had a resurgence in Oregon after a less than ideal start to the season and it shouldn’t be ignored.
Bo Nix started the year with an ugly start against Georgia. It wasn’t just the Oregon quarterback, the entire team struggled against the reigning National Champions. Since then, the Auburn transfer has been on an absolute tear. He has thrown for 1,359 yards and 12 touchdowns with just one interception during the Ducks last six games.
Nix is coming off of a huge victory against UCLA, picking apart the defense and throwing five touchdowns while doing so. Everything is falling into place for the senior this season, and he had what some might say was his “Heisman moment” last weekend in a statement victory. As it stands, the Ducks have two top ten victories under their belt and are looking to add to that in the near future.
Oregon is in an excellent spot currently, and could contend for a playoff berth. Their last real match up comes on November 19th when they take on Utah, who as this is being written ranks 14th in the nation. There is also the increasing possibility that they could see USC in the PAC-12 Championship game. Setting the stage for Bo Nix to just add to his case for Heisman
So why has Nix been so successful recently?
It could be the fact that he has only been sacked once this entire season so far. That is not a typo. One can see that clearly his pocket presence has greatly improved. And not only that, but Nix has shown off his ability to evade the crashing pocket and make plays with his legs. The quarterback has 382 yards on the ground this season and has found the end zone eight times as well. Among all other quarterbacks, Nix holds the highest rushing grade with an 84.4 on the year.
To add on to his accomplishments, Nix became the third quarterback since 1996 to throw for at least five touchdowns in multiple games in a season. The last two quarterbacks were Oregon alumni Justin Herbert (2019) and Marcus Mariota (2014). Clearly that is an impressive feat as no other quarterback in the Heisman race this season has matched it.
The Oregon Ducks quarterback deserves his name thrown into the ring for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. He’s focused, he’s having fun, and the Ducks are winning. He really is a Heisman candidate this season and has the trajectory to catch the likes of Stroud or Hooker. This season Nix has flipped the narrative on his ceiling. His play has improved so much, and with the right tools around him he is showing the college football world just how far he can fly.
By Will Lane – @TheWillieLane.
