The Top 2025 Heisman Trophy Contenders 

The presentation of NCAA Football’s most coveted award is mere days away. The ballots are due on Monday, December 8th, and the finalists’ names will be announced on that day.

There is still plenty of room for speculation regarding who will take home the trophy.

With nearly 900 voters, the Heisman has a lot of room for interpretation. Several names have been a part of the Heisman conversation for months:

Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana

Julian Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State

Jeremiyah Love, Running back, Notre Dame

Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Ty Simpson, Quarterback, Alabama

Diego Pavia, Quarterback, Vanderbilt

Any of these players could be named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. However, there are two who have been front-runners for some time.

Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana- Fernando Mendoza has a passer rating of 183.7 with 2,758 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 12 games this season.

Hoosier quarterback Fernando Mendoza is preparing to lead his undefeated team into Lucas Oil Stadium to contend for the Big Ten Championship. At this stage, Mendoza is favored by many to take home the Heisman.

PROS 

Efficiency – His numbers (2,758 yards, 32 TDs, only 5 INTs) make Mendoza the second-most efficient passer in the nation.

Heisman Moment– When playing against Penn State, Mendoza made “THAT throw,” a game-winning touchdown that many consider a defining highlight.

Face of Indiana’s Success – Mendoza led the Hoosiers to their first undefeated season since 1967.

Fan Appeal – Mendoza fits into several story lines, including the underdog, a steady leader, and the symbol of Indiana’s newfound success.

CONS 

Numbers are Good but Not Spectacular– Mendoza’s totals look above average but not jaw-dropping when compared to other QB seasons.

Playoff Timing- Indiana battles Ohio State for the Big Ten Championship just days before the Heisman ballots are due. Depending on when they choose to cast their ballots, voters may miss his biggest test.

Visibility – Indiana has a smaller spotlight than other schools with Heisman contenders such as Ohio State, Notre Dame, or Alabama.

One of Several Quarterbacks- Ohio State QB, Julian Sayin, is his biggest competition. However, standout quarterbacks Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt and Alabama’s Ty Simpson have been in the Heisman conversation.

2 Julian Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State- Julian Sayin has a passer rating of 184.9 with 3,065 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 12 games this season.

Buckeye, Julian Sayin has led his team with precision, talent, and determination. Ohio State effectively dismembered every opponent in the 2025 season, and that could be a big problem for the sophomore quarterback. There is no heroic story to entertain the Heisman voters- there’s no story at all. There is just the question, “Is Sayin so good because of his tremendous team, or is the team amazing because of Sayin?” Unless he gets his non-debatable Heisman moment in the Big Ten Championship against Indiana, Sayin may miss out on the Heisman.

PROS 

Record-Breaking Accuracy – Sayin’s 78.9% completion rate ranks first in the FBS and breaks Bo Nix’s previous record

Defeating Michigan- Sayin tossed 3 touchdowns as he and the Buckeyes snapped the years long losing streak in Ann Arbor.

Iconic Game– Facing fellow Heisman contender Fernando Mendoza in the Big Ten Championship opens up an opportunity for Sayin to grab the spotlight.

CONS 

Seen as a System Quarterback– Sayin is the captain of a luxury ocean liner-the team has elite talent, and this takes away from his individual Heisman-worthy moments.

Not Many Dramatic Wins – The Ohio State University dominated opponents and didn’t need dramatic comebacks.

Comparing Stats – Mendoza has thrown more touchdowns, but Sayin’s yardage is excellent.

Unless the Heisman voters have surprises up their sleeves, odds are good that the quarterback who wins the Big Ten Championship will also take home the Heisman Trophy.