Hold onto your helmets, because the Heisman Trophy race is far from over! With the season heating up, it's time to rethink who's truly in the running. Forget the usual suspects—we're expanding the shortlist to a thrilling long list of contenders. But here's where it gets controversial... Could a linebacker or a running back actually take home the trophy this year? Let’s dive into the top 10 players who are making waves, along with a few bold predictions that might just spark some debate.
1. Fernando Mendoza (11), Indiana Quarterback
Mendoza is a statistical powerhouse, ranking second nationally in pass efficiency with a staggering 178.55 rating. What’s even more impressive? On third-and-long plays, that number skyrockets to 226.57. He’s tied for the national lead in touchdown passes with 26 and leads outright in total touchdowns with 31. Mendoza’s clutch performances in close Big Ten road games—like his game-winning drive against Penn State—have solidified his Heisman credentials. And this is the part most people miss... While his success is undeniable, his Heisman moment relied heavily on Omar Cooper Jr.’s jaw-dropping catch. Can he truly claim sole credit for that highlight?
2. Julian Sayin (12), Ohio State Quarterback
Sayin is a sophomore sensation, leading the nation in efficiency with a 192.60 rating—14 points ahead of Mendoza. His 80.9% completion rate is on pace to shatter the NCAA record. But here’s the catch: Sayin might not even be the best player on his own team. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is making a strong case for the Heisman himself, and Ohio State’s dominant defense has kept Sayin from needing to pull off the dramatic comebacks that define Mendoza’s season. Is Sayin’s success a product of his talent, or his supporting cast?
3. Diego Pavia (13), Vanderbilt Quarterback
Pavia is the heart and soul of Vanderbilt’s resurgence. He’s accounted for 54.9% of the team’s touchdowns and 40.9% of its total yardage. With Vanderbilt sitting at 8–2, Pavia’s impact is undeniable. But here’s the rub: If the Commodores stumble in their final games, Pavia’s Heisman hopes could fade. Can a player from a historically underdog program truly break through?
4. Jacob Rodriguez (14), Texas Tech Linebacker
Rodriguez is a defensive juggernaut, leading the nation in forced fumbles with seven. He’s also tied for eighth in solo tackles. But here’s the bold question: Can a linebacker ever win the Heisman? It’s never happened before, and Rodriguez might face competition from his own teammate, edge rusher David Bailey, who leads the nation in sacks.
5. Jeremiyah Love (15), Notre Dame Running Back
Love is a touchdown machine, tied for the national lead with 16 scores. He’s also the only player with 150+ runs and receptions averaging seven yards per touch. But in today’s pass-heavy game, can a running back really win the Heisman? The last one to do so was Derrick Henry in 2015. Love’s shared role with Jadarian Price doesn’t help his case.
6. Haynes King (16), Georgia Tech Quarterback
King is a dual-threat dynamo, ranking third nationally in total offense with 330.3 yards per game. His 754 rushing yards are the most for any non-service academy quarterback. However, his passing stats lag behind other QBs on this list. Is King’s running ability enough to overcome his passing limitations?
7. Ty Simpson (17), Alabama Quarterback
Simpson has the lowest interception rate among power-conference QBs, throwing just one pick in 296 passes. But Alabama’s high standards for quarterbacks mean Simpson’s efficiency rating of 159 falls short of recent starters. Can he elevate his game in the final weeks to stay in the conversation?
8. Dante Moore (18), Oregon Quarterback
Moore is solid, ranking seventh in efficiency, but his numbers don’t stand out like Sayin’s or Mendoza’s. His clutch performance against Iowa kept Oregon in the playoff hunt, but is consistency enough to win the Heisman?
9. Byrum Brown (19), South Florida Quarterback
Brown is a dark horse, ranking fifth in total offense. South Florida’s best season since 2017 is largely thanks to him. But history isn’t on his side—no non-power conference player has won the Heisman since 1990. Can Brown defy the odds?
10. Emmett Johnson (20), Nebraska Running Back
Johnson leads all power-conference running backs in yards from scrimmage, averaging 143.1 per game. But Nebraska’s playoff long-shot status and his position as a running back make his path to the Heisman incredibly tough. Is there room for another running back in the Heisman spotlight?
Final Thoughts: The Heisman race is wide open, with players from various positions and teams making their case. But the real question is: Are we ready to break tradition and crown a linebacker or a non-power conference player? Let the debate begin—who do you think deserves the trophy? Sound off in the comments!
