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Final Heisman Watch of 2025

Originally posted on The Forkball | By Phillip Riggs | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 8:44 PM ET

The final week of the Heisman Watch in the 2025 season is here! This is my vote for the Heisman trophy, the most prestigious individual award in sports.

1. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, Linebacker, Senior

It took a nail-biting defensive battle in the Big Ten Championship, but the 13-10 score between Ohio State and Indiana allowed Jacob Rodriguez to make the jump to the top. Rodriguez more than earned his way, though. He just makes big plays and leads a powerful defense. This year, he has 117 tackles (61 of them solo), 11 tackles for a loss, a sack, six passes defended, four interceptions, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three touchdowns. Removing the ball from the possession of opposing offenses 11 times is astounding.

Compare him to Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o, who was not only a Heisman finalist but was the Heisman runner-up, and Rodriguez belongs in New York. Te’o had 113 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and seven interceptions. No fumbles forced or recovered and no touchdowns. It is utterly ridiculous that Jacob Rodriguez is cut short of being a Heisman finalist. That is one of those disservices to the game that the SEC is always making noise about. It will also hinder him in getting the votes he deserves, because when that was announced, not all the votes had been cast yet. Rodriguez is the most deserving of the 2025 Heisman Trophy.

2. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, Quarterback, Junior

While I believe the winner should be Rodriguez, it will likely be Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza is a deserving player. Neither Mendoza nor Julian Sayin seized the lead like I thought one of them would in the Big Ten Championship. However, they both have an incredible body of work in 2025. Mendoza gets the nod for the simple fact that they are so close, yet his team won when their teams played, and Indiana is the #1 team in the nation right now. The Hoosier quarterback has everything to back it up, too. Mendoza is 226 of 316 for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns (the most in college football) through the air with 240 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Fernando Mendoza will be a worthy winner of the Heisman Trophy.

3. Julian Sayin, Ohio State, Quarterback, Sophomore

The two best quarterbacks in college football are in the Big Ten. Ohio State’s Julian Sayin is the most accurate passer in college football, completing 78.4% of his passes. Sayin is the nation’s leader in passing efficiency with a rating of 182.1. The Buckeye quarterback is second in total QBR with 89.6. He’s also second in the nation in passing touchdowns. Julian Sayin is 279 of 356 for 3,323 yards and 31 touchdown passes and six interceptions for Ohio State this season.

4. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame, Running Back, Junior

Not even being able to play a 13^th game hurt Notre Dame so much this year. They need to schedule a 13^th game in the regular season moving forward, or they could continue to lose out on playoff berths and Heisman trophies. Still, Love is third in yards from scrimmage, second in touchdowns from scrimmage, touchdowns scored, and overall points. Jeremiyah Love has 199 carries for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing, with 27 catches for 280 yards and three touchdowns receiving. Love shares the backfield with another standout running back in Jadarian Price, who has 1,211 total yards and 15 touchdowns. If Love had half of his teammates’ numbers added to his own, he’d be a lock at first place.

5. Drew Mestemaker, North Texas, Quarterback, Freshman

Now we come to a pair of the nation’s best from North Texas. Drew Mestemaker and Caleb Hawkins are fantastic players, having an equally fantastic season. Mestemaker is 292 of 416 for 4,129 yards and 31 touchdowns in the passing game. He also has five rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown, making it 37 touchdowns he’s responsible for this season. He leads the nation in passing yards, is tied for second in passing touchdowns, and is third in the country in total touchdowns responsible for. His name is one we’re going to hear a lot more on Saturdays before he’s done with college football.

6. Caleb Hawkins, North Texas, Running Back, Freshman

His teammate and fellow freshman, Caleb Hawkins, is another name we’d better get used to and take notice of. He has 200 carries for 1,236 yards and 23 touchdowns rushing, with 29 catches for 345 yards and three touchdowns receiving. His 26 touchdowns and 156 points both lead all of college football.