Why Dan Lanning Thinks Bo Nix Should Win the Heisman Trophy

Lanning made his case for Nix in response to Brian Kelly’s comments about LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning had a clear message this week about why quarterback Bo Nix deserves to win the Heisman Trophy.

“Bo's obviously an elite player and we're still playing football,” Lanning said. “I think that speaks to the caliber of player that Bo is, the fact that we're competing for a championship.”

Lanning said this in response to LSU head coach Brian Kelly making his case for why Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels should win the award.

“Vote early, vote often for Jayden Daniels,” Kelly said to SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum this week. “I was near Chicago and I know that worked in Chicago quite well for many years. I think you look at his body of work throughout the entire season from the start to finish and there was no single better player in the country than Jayden Daniels, his numbers speak to that.”

LSU finished their regular season at 9-3, good for the fifth-best record in the SEC (Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Ole Miss). Daniels threw for 3,812 yards which was third behind Pac-12 quarterbacks, Nix and Michael Penix Jr.

“[Nix] leads the nation in passing,” Lanning said. “Obviously, I don't memorize all of Bo's statistics, but just watch Bo play and watch how much of a difference he makes for us.”

Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix runs for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix runs out of the tunnel during senior night ceremonies at Autzen Stadium.  :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix high-fives teammates in a game against the Oregon State Beavers :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Don’t worry coach, leave it to the writers to have Nix’s stats memorized.

Nix leads the country in passing yards with 3,906 and has the second-most passing touchdowns with 37. He also leads the country in averaging 325.5 yards per game, all while sitting out fourth quarters during blowouts.

Nix is on pace to break Mac Jones’ completion percentage record of 77.4% set at Alabama in 2020, having a nation-leading completion percentage of 78.6% through the regular season.

“But just as important of that award,” Lanning said. “What that is to Bo and our team, he's more excited about getting to play in a championship game this weekend.”

Oregon has a rematch against Washington this Friday in the Pac-12 Championship game at Allegiant Stadium, while LSU won’t be playing in the SEC Championship game.

“I think anybody that's watched Bo Nix play, the caliber that he's played, recognizes that he definitely deserves merit for that award.”

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