Heisman Rankings: Jayden Daniels shines ahead of crucial stretch

The college football season has crossed the halfway mark, so it's only fitting that there's been a significant shakeup in theScore's Heisman Rankings following several pivotal matchups. With conference play in full swing, we examine the playmakers who've stood out over the past month.

Honorable Mentions: Caleb Williams, J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, Drake Maye

5. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

• 42 receptions, 766 receiving yards, 6 touchdown receptions

Following a sluggish start to his junior campaign, Harrison has caught fire over the past few weeks. Ohio State's star wideout has posted three straight games with over 100 receiving yards, along with three touchdowns. It's no coincidence the 6-foot-4, 205-pounder's production has coincided with the Buckeyes hitting their stride with conference play underway.

Projected as the top receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harrison posted a career-high 11 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown in a marquee contest against Penn State last weekend. Despite inconsistency in Ohio State's backfield, Harrison consistently shines with every target. We expect the Buckeyes to feature No. 18 heavily over a stretch culminating on the big stage versus rival Michigan to end the regular season.

4. Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State

• 1,750 passing yards, 65.1% completion, 20 total touchdowns, 2 INT

Travis remains a constant for Florida State and within our rankings. The 23-year-old has met every challenge placed in his path since a season-opening win over LSU. He also displayed grit over the last few weeks while dealing with multiple bumps and bruises.

Yes, having a Biletnikoff Award candidate in Keon Coleman is a tremendous help for Travis' cause. Yet, the sixth-year senior has put on his superhero cape when called upon. The Seminoles have tallied an ACC-leading 42.2 points per game. Travis' steady hand has largely pushed Florida State's 13-game win streak that dates back to last season. Following a victory over a scrappy Duke squad last weekend, FSU remains the front-runner to represent the ACC in the College Football Playoff.

3. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma

• 2,131 passing yards, 71.2% completion, 24 total touchdowns, 3 INT

Gabriel lurked outside our rankings but debuts after posting absurd statistics to begin the campaign. The Hawaiian has become emblematic of the "Boomer Sooner" mantra following a monumental win over bitter rival Texas earlier in October. Gabriel racked up 285 passing yards and rushed for 113 yards to brand the Longhorns with their first loss of 2023.

Gabriel sat idle for a week and then continued building his Heisman case by throwing for 253 yards and three touchdowns in a victory last weekend over UCF, his former team. The Sooners star is averaging a robust 304.4 passing yards per game. Oklahoma's remaining slate has no imposing challenges entering the season's final month, leaving little room for Gabriel to add to his resume prior to a potential Big 12 title game.

2. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

• 2,573 passing yards, 73.1% completion, 30 total touchdowns, 3 INT

Daniels has caught fire since a humbling season-opening loss to Florida State. LSU's star signal-caller is on pace to record over 1,000 rushing yards and 5,000 passing yards in his senior campaign. Daniels sports an impressive 92.1 PFF grade and leads the country with an absurd 204.32 quarterback rating.

The former Arizona State standout's prolific stats and dynamic receiving options, like Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers, continue to place him in the spotlight. Daniels threw for 279 yards and accounted for four scores in a rout of Army last weekend. LSU's slate is set to intensify following a bye, starting with a showdown on the road against Alabama on Nov. 4. If Daniels can lead the Tigers to an undefeated November, he could very well punch his ticket to the Heisman ceremony in December.

1. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

• 2,576 passing yards, 70.8% completion, 20 total touchdowns, 5 INT

Penix climbed into the top spot of our rankings after compelling performances in big matchups over the past few weeks. The 23-year-old may have submitted his Heisman moment during what many consider a Game of the Year candidate in Washington's win over Oregon. Penix threw for 302 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception to lead the Huskies to a thrilling 36-33 win.

The Indiana transfer had an off game versus Arizona State the following week. Penix recorded 275 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions in a narrow 15-7 victory against the Sun Devils. Despite a less-than-stellar showing, Penix still owns the sixth-highest grade (91.5) among quarterbacks in the country, according to PFF. The Huskies star still has plenty of opportunities to redeem himself entering the regular season's final month. An upcoming matchup against Stanford this weekend precludes a trio of games against USC, Utah, and Oregon State that could present a redemption arc for Penix.