Heisman Watch – Week 12

3. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, Quarterback, Junior

There’s a reasonable chance that if Ohio State and Indiana play in the Big Ten title game this year, the quarterback who leads his team to victory will likely also claim the Heisman trophy. Mendoza is making his case. He has 2,641 passing yards and 35 total touchdowns (30 passing, 5 rushing). If he and Indiana just continue their steady victory march, it will be his to lose.

4. Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss, Running Back, Sophomore

Lacy is having a fantastic season for Ole Miss. He has 231 carries for 1,136 yards and an FBS-best 19 rushing touchdowns. As far as the Heisman goes, Lacy will need some help. He’s only got one regular-season game left in the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State. He’ll need a big game there, and then some chaotic dominoes to fall his way. If the dominoes fall and get Ole Miss to the SEC Championship, Lacy will have a shot to bring home the Heisman.

5. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, Wide Receiver, Sophomore

Smith’s chances are still there because of the potential of possibly having a huge game against michigan and another one in the Big Ten title game against Indiana. But those chances are starting to fade, as it is rumored he’s trying to heal from an injury. It may even make him miss the OSU game against Rutgers on Saturday. Smith has 69 catches for 902 yards and 11 total touchdowns, but without a solid game against Rutgers, and huge games against that team up north, and in a Big Ten title match, he won’t be able to win it this year.

In the Race

Haynes King, Georgia Tech, Quarterback, Senior

King continued his solid season with the 36-34 win over Boston College. His numbers are still good. He has 2,259 yards and 10 touchdowns passing. He also has 807 yards and 14 touchdowns rushing. To be blunt, the only way King can realistically win the Heisman is if Georgia Tech finishes 12-1 and King has a career game against the Georgia Bulldogs. Even if King has a big game against Pitt, and then in a potential ACC title game, it probably will be enough to make him a finalist, but not win the trophy, not without an upset of Georgia.

Ty Simpson, Alabama, Quarterback, Junior

Simpson had his worst game of the 2025 season in the loss to Oklahoma. He had 326 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw a terrible pick that was returned for a touchdown. His yards and touchdowns still rank in the top 15 of FBS quarterbacks with 2,787 and 22, respectively. The good news for him, as far as the Heisman goes, is that he has 2-3 games to turn things around. If he’s good against Eastern Illinois and Auburn, a big performance in the potential SEC title game could push him to first place.

Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, Linebacker, Senior

Rodriguez is having a great year for any defensive player. He has 100 tackles, 55 of them solo, 9.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack (his teammate David Bailey does that for Texas Tech; he leads the nation with 12.5). Rodriguez even got a rushing touchdown on Senior Day against UCF. Where he is truly special is in forcing turnovers. He has four interceptions this year and has recovered two fumbles. He’s forced an astounding seven fumbles this season. At the moment, he’s not who I’d cast a first-place vote for, but when the season is done, he should be and probably will be a Heisman finalist.

Ahmad Hardy, Missouri, Running Back, Sophomore

Hardy’s 300-yard, three-touchdown game in Mizzou’s win over Mississippi State has him back in this race. If he had a game like that this Saturday against Oklahoma, he’d be in the top three next week. As it stands, Hardy has 197 carries (tied for 6^th in the nation), 1,346 yards (1^st), and 15 touchdowns (t-3^rd).

There are a couple of players from the FCS that I’ve had the honor to follow. While they may not earn any Heisman votes, they deserve national recognition. Hopefully, one of them will win the Payton Award, the FCS Heisman.

Beau Brungard, Youngstown State, Quarterback, Junior

Brungard leads the FCS in total offense with 3,926 yards. He leads second place by 526 yards. Brungard leads the FCS with 260 points he’s responsible for. He leads second place by 42 points. Beau Brungard is 234 of 343 for 2,687 yards and 21 touchdowns passing. He’s just as good running the ball; he has 203 carries for 1,235 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also has one catch for a 50-yard touchdown. With another year of eligibility, I would not be surprised if the FBS will know his name in 2026.

Joshua Dye, Southern Utah, Running Back, Sophomore

Dye is one of the best running backs in all of college football, both FCS and FBS. He has 272 carries (2^nd most in Division I), for 1,723 (2^nd most in Division I), for 25 touchdowns (Most in Division I). He’s another name that will be known more in college football this time next year.