Heisman Trophy Race: Next Stop, New York

Fernando Mendoza has been nothing short of spectacular this season, leading the Indiana Hoosiers to a historic campaign. The quarterback has guided Indiana to its first-ever 12-0 regular season, securing his place as one of the all-time greats in Hoosier football history.

Mendoza has thrown for 2,758 yards and 32 touchdowns while limiting his interception total to just five. He has also rushed for 243 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability. His dominant season has established him as the leading quarterback prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.

In the Hoosiers’ 56-3 blowout of the Purdue Boilermakers last Friday, Mendoza completed eight of 15 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score.

Mendoza will have one final chance to prove himself to Heisman voters. This Saturday, he faces the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship Game. He will have his hands full facing the Buckeyes, who boast the nation’s number one overall defense.

The outcome and Mendoza’s performance could very well decide who takes home the prestigious award.

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State (+130)

Julian Sayin left no doubt that he belongs in the Heisman conversation with his performance last Saturday. The Buckeyes’ quarterback was precise and poised in Ohio State’s decisive victory over the Michigan Wolverines. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 233 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.

Sayin’s season totals are equally impressive: 3,065 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also set a new college football record for single-season completion percentage at 78.9 percent. Those numbers are even more impressive considering he played limited snaps due to Ohio State’s dominance over nearly every opponent this season.

The upcoming Big Ten Championship Game between Ohio State and Indiana has become a collision course. Both the number one overall seed in the College Football Playoff and the Heisman Trophy are potentially on the line. Sayin will have his chance to surpass Mendoza in a head-to-head showdown, with all of America watching. A strong performance could deliver a 13-0 record, a Big Ten title, the top seed in the playoff, and a Heisman for Sayin.

Remarkably, this is Sayin’s first season as a starter, and as a redshirt freshman, he will return next year to lead the Buckeyes once again.

Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt (+333)

Diego Pavia has guided the Vanderbilt Commodores to their best season in school history. The quarterback has thrown for 3,192 yards with 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while also rushing for 826 yards and nine scores.

Pavia’s performance against the Tennessee Volunteers last Saturday helped Vanderbilt secure its first win over its rival since 2018 and pushed him up to third in Heisman betting odds. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 268 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, while rushing for 165 yards and another score.

However, Pavia faces a significant challenge. With Vanderbilt missing the SEC Championship Game and Heisman voting occurring before bowl season, his season is essentially over in terms of influencing voters. The two quarterbacks ahead of him in the odds will play in the Big Ten title game, giving them a chance to boost their stats and impress voters.

The only way Pavia can move up is if both have disappointing performances, or if he gains steam in voter’s eyes when they reflect on the season.

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (+1400)

Jeremiyah Love has carried the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a 10-2 record and a potential playoff berth, all while playing the running back position. Love has rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. He has also added 27 receptions for 280 yards and three scores.

Love delivered a solid performance against the Stanford Cardinal last Saturday, rushing 14 times for 66 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game due to injury. The previous week against the Syracuse Orange, he ran eight times for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Against the Pittsburgh Panthers the week before that, he recorded 23 carries for 147 yards and a score.

Like Pavia, Love faces a challenge in catching the quarterbacks ahead of him since he has no more games before Heisman voting begins and ends. He will have to rely on his current stats to sway voters.

The Heisman has rarely gone to running backs in recent years. Last season, Ashton Jeanty tallied 2,601 rushing yards but did not win. With lower totals, Love faces an uphill battle to break that trend.

End Of My Heisman Rant

On December 13, the Heisman Trophy will be announced in New York City, with these four players likely to represent the standout performers of the 2025 season.

In my view, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin will be the one to hold up the trophy. I expect the Buckeyes to defeat Indiana on Saturday in Indianapolis. With the game taking place in a dome, Sayin will have the opportunity to throw the ball all over the field to the nation’s top wide receiver corps.

Ohio State’s defense will continue its dominance, keeping Mendoza’s numbers in check, while Sayin puts up impressive stats that will win over voters.

If things go as I expect, Sayin will be the one holding the Heisman Trophy in New York City on December 13.