Heisman Trophy Power Rankings After Week 9

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports | By JC Nevils | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 8:00 PM ET

There hasn’t been many players that have ran away from the pack, but there are a few that have shown they have the capability along with numbers to take home the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Here are my top Heisman candidates after week nine.

1. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

There hasn’t been many players, if at all, more consistent than Mendoza this season. The Miami native has led his Indiana Hoosiers (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) team to an undefeated season as well as a No. 2 ranking nationally. Through eight games he has amassed almost 2,000 passing yards along with 24 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

2. QB Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

The dual-threat hailing out of Nashville, Tenn. has been making plays in every facet of the game for the No. 3 Aggies (8-0, 5-0 SEC). On the season he has put up almost 2,000 yards through the air along with 349 on the ground with a total of 23 touchdowns. That has led Texas A&M to an undefeated record, and first place standing in the SEC. If he leads them to an SEC championship along with a top seed in the College Football Playoff, then watch out.

3. QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Other than the disastrous performance in the season opener against Florida State, Ty Simpson along with the rest of the No. 4 Crimson Tide (7-1, 5-0 SEC) has been on a roll. He might just be the hottest quarterback in the entire nation. On the season he has over 2,000 yards passing along with 20 touchdowns which leads the SEC, and only one interception. He is insanely accurate with a high IQ along with a quick trigger.

4. QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Ohio State (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) has been the quietest No. 1-rannked team in recent memory, especially coming off of a national championship run. Maybe it’s just a norm for them at this point, but the only difference this year is that a true freshman is leading them. Sayin has been one of the most consistent players in the nation. On the year he has thrown for over 1,800 yards along with 19 touchdowns and only three interceptions. They will be firmly in the mix by season’s end.

5. QB Joey Aguilar, Tennessee

Aguilar has had quite the journey throughout his life and football career. After high school he had zero offers to play, so he chose the JUCO route. COVID ended up shutting that season down along with his football dreams. On the brink of quitting he gave JUCO one more shot and made the most of it earning a scholarship to Appalachian State. After a couple years there he transferred back home to UCLA then shortly after to Tennessee. Now he has the No. 14 Volunteers (6-2, 3-2 SEC) on the brink of another CFP appearance as the unquestioned leader. On the season he leads the SEC with 2,344 yards along with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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