Fernando Mendoza (Image Credits: Imagn)

Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Glow Faces New Threat From 20-Year-Old Athlete

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 8:03 AM ET

The early Heisman chatter may have centered around Fernando Mendoza, but a new name is beginning to surge into the national conversation — and he’s only 20.

On a recent episode of the Andy & Ari On3 show, Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman made it clear that the race for college football’s most prestigious individual award could look very different than expected. While the NFL Draft and Heisman Trophy often spark separate conversations, Staples introduced an interesting thought experiment: if he were starting a college football team from scratch right now, without using any current-season production, he would take one player first overall — Jeremiah Smith.

“If they just said, ‘Andy, you’re drafting a college football team from scratch right now. Who you got? Number one?’ It’s Jeremiah Smith,” he said, noting that pure upside and generational talent can outweigh résumé — at least in a vacuum.

“If they just said, 'Andy you’re drafting a college football team from scratch right now, who ya got #1?’ It’s Jeremiah Smith."

– @AndyStaples to @AriWasserman on Jeremiah Smith with a discussion on the Heisman Odds, @LettermenRow:https://t.co/VjDyqtFYUA pic.twitter.com/eUfSq7AiGS
— Andy & Ari On3 (@AndyAriOn3) February 28, 2026

Wasserman added further context, suggesting Smith could be a “sneaky good play” in the Heisman race depending on how the season unfolds. According to him, one of the biggest obstacles for Ohio State last year was the lack of high-leverage regular-season games that gave players a national spotlight moment.

Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Campaign Now Has Real Competition

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

If Mendoza hopes to maintain his early Heisman glow, the path just became more complicated. Wasserman pointed out that Ohio State’s upcoming schedule presents Smith with multiple marquee opportunities — including a road game against the Texas Longhorns, followed by matchups against the USC Trojans, Oregon Ducks, and Michigan Wolverines. Those are the types of stages that can define a Heisman résumé in October and November.

“If he produces a 1,000-yard season and has 17 touchdowns or something like that, he has a chance to win it,” Wasserman explained, especially if those numbers come in tightly contested, nationally televised games.

For Mendoza, that means the margin for error shrinks. The Heisman isn’t just about production — it’s about moments. If Smith explodes under the brightest lights, voters may gravitate toward the dynamic playmaker rather than the established quarterback narrative.

The season is still months away, but one thing is clear: Mendoza’s Heisman runway is no longer empty. A 20-year-old star is accelerating fast, and the spotlight is waiting.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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