Under-the-Radar Heisman Trophy Candidates

As the season gets closer, everyone knows that names like Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik and Jeremiah Smith are the ones most often mentioned as Heisman Trophy candidates. However, if you’re looking to make a bit more money with your choice, there are a few other options to look at. Here are three players who have a have a legitimate chance to become contenders for the trophy in December. 

QB John Mateer, Oklahoma (30-1)

The skinny: When a P4 quarterback passes for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, while rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns in a season, he is likely in the Heisman Trophy discussion. But because Mateer played his 2024 season at Washington State and the Cougars finished 8-5, it became an interesting story, but not much more than that. Now Mateer is with the Sooners after a winter transfer. Aside from that, his offensive coordinator from Washington State, Ben Arbuckle, joined him in Norman. This has the potential to be a lethal combination in the SEC this season. Also, a legitimate Heisman candidate needs big wins and big moments on his resume.  Luckily for Mateer the Sooners’ schedule is brutal which will give him multiple opportunities to shine on the big stage. With games against Michigan, Texas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama and LSU, Mateer and the Sooners will be in the spotlight early and often.

QB Miller Moss, Louisville (60-1)

The skinny: Moss’ first season as a starter during the 2024 season at USC did not finish well. While he had his moments and finished the season with 2,555 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions, he eventually lost the starting job to Jayden Maiava, which led to his transfer to Louisville. Moss possesses the talent to shine, so will the change of atmosphere help him reach his full potential? Cardinals’ head coach Jeff Brohm has already helped develop a couple other transfer quarterbacks, most notably Tyler Shough, but also Jack Plummer the year before. In their two seasons as starters at Louisville, they combined to pass for 6,399 yards, 44 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. However, one thing that neither of those two quarterbacks were able to accomplish was win the big game. Moss will have that opportunity in 2025 with conference games against Miami, SMU and Clemson. If he is able to play up to expectations and lead the Cardinals to at least a couple of big wins, his name will suddenly join the Heisman conversation.

QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (70-1)

The skinny: One of the top 2024 stories was Indiana’s surprising run to the playoffs. Now one of the more intriguing 2025 storylines revolves around if they can follow it up with another impressive season. If they do, then Mendoza must be a huge part of it. Last year, Kurtis Rourke impressively led the Hoosiers’ offense in his first season at the P4 level. Mendoza is more talented, has a higher ceiling and now has head coach Curt Cignetti pulling the strings. Indiana’s schedule is tougher this season, which is important for Mendoza’s Heisman hopes, so if he can help the Hoosiers to wins against Oregon and/or Penn State it would quickly open plenty of voter's eyes.