Heisman Trophy power rankings: Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy climbs into race

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The 2023 college football season is more than halfway over, but the race for the most prestigious individual award in sports is very much up in the air. 

With Caleb Williams and the USC Trojans losing their second game of the season Saturday to Utah, the chances of seeing just the second two-time winner of the award are essentially over. 

USC Trojans running back Austin Jones (6) looks on with USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) after a game against the Utah Utes Oct. 21, 2023, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles.  (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It’s time to focus on the other talents competing on Saturdays. And as the sport heads into Week 9 of the season, a new name has emerged at the top.  

DEION SANDERS DOWNPLAYS EFFECTIVENESS OF SIGN-STEALING: 'YOU'VE STILL GOT TO STOP IT'

Let’s take a look at the top four players with the best odds to take home the 2023 Heisman Trophy after Week 8, according to Caesars Sportsbook.

J.J. McCarthy, Michigan, +260

When you’re the quarterback of what many consider to be the best team in the nation, your name is going to make it into the Heisman conversation. 

J.J. McCarthy is the third player to be at the top of the Heisman odds list, joining USC quarterback Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr. of Washington. 

McCarthy has shot up the rankings — he was +1100 last week — after Michigan moved to 8-0 with a dismantling of in-state rival Michigan State in Week 8. 

The junior signal-caller threw for 287 yards and four touchdowns as Michigan defeated the Spartans 49-0. 

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy runs on a keeper during the first half of a game against