Quarterback Caleb Williams, who came out of nowhere this season to lead the USC Trojans back to football glory, was named the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Saturday night.
The sophomore received 2,031 points and 544 first-place votes, beating runner-up, TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan (1,420 points and 188 first-place votes). Ohio State Buckeyes QB C.J. Stroud finished third (539 and 37), followed by Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett (349 and 36). It was the closest winning vote margin in four years.
Williams had a great comment for Duggan, Stroud and Bennett, who are all competing in the College Football Playoff. The Trojans missed out after a terrible loss to Utah in the Pac-12 title game.
“I may be standing up here today, but y’all get to go to the College Football Playoff,” Williams said, addressing the other three Heisman finalists. “Guess you can’t win them all.”
Caleb Williams wins the Heisman and lands a great line about not being in the CFP pic.twitter.com/ol9RPOfV0U
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 11, 2022
As far as Heisman Trophy ceremonies go, this one had a lively moment or two thanks in large part to former college coach and 1966 Heisman winner Steve Spurrier, who in announcing the award, dragged out the drama for a laugh.
Marva Smalls and Steve Spurrier had some fun before announcing Caleb Williams as the Heisman winner. pic.twitter.com/i9ekRUrMMF
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 11, 2022
Williams put up some big numbers this season (4,075 yards passing, 37 passing TDs, 10 rushing touchdowns), but the most impressive number is 11-2, USC’s record this season. It’s hard to imagine the Trojans doing anything close to that without Williams. Still, many college football fans disagreed with the decision, with many feeling Duggan got robbed.
The heisman is about how you play on the field and how you act off the field. Do we really think writing “F Utah” on your fingernails is good for a heisman winner? Integrity and all the other values which symbolize a Heisman winner he doesn’t have.
— 🎡 (@ATLSportStan) December 11, 2022
Johnny Manziel won a Heisman
— Blake Arnold (@Barnold1993) December 11, 2022
Congrats to Caleb Williams for being a great player and winning the Heisman but he has a lot of growing up to do. Hopefully he tasted his two helpings of Utah’s humble pie. https://t.co/IkFtBfQXEQ
— Jeff_AAUte (@Jeff_Ute) December 11, 2022
Welp Caleb Williams just cursed his NFL career tonight after winning the Heisman 😂😂😂 #HeismanTrophy #USC pic.twitter.com/6c6d8g7c1G
— Ryan Ostrander 8 🏁 (@RyanOstrander_8) December 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/downcrucially/status/1601768731964997633
Congrats to Caleb Williams. But is it just me, or is this one of the most underwhelming Heisman Trophy presentations ever?
— I Am Veech (@Hoosierfan515) December 11, 2022
TCU’s Max Duggan is everything that the Heisman Trophy embodies. He leaves it all on the field and you can never question his effort. HEISMAN/HE IS the MAN and that is exactly what Duggan is THE MAN! pic.twitter.com/GrQxpTVOtZ
— Keith Hawkins (@KeithHa22109075) December 11, 2022
Max Duggan over Stroud? Heisman voters are 🤡s at times. This is one of those times.
— David Cole Grey (@greycole05) December 11, 2022
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.