College football’s Heisman race is heating up

Few honors and awards carry the weight of the Heisman Memorial Trophy, the ultimate prize awarded each year to the most outstanding player in college football. 

This season, the race for the award is as tight and wide-open as ever. Last season, Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter dominated the conversation. However, this year there is no clear front-runner – just a bunch of athletes competing for the sport’s most coveted honor. Here are my picks for the award – and what they have done to earn a spot on this list. I’ll also throw in a few long shots – mostly non-quarterbacks, since it’s so uncommon for anyone else to take home the award.

1.  John Mateer

The Washington State transfer has quickly made his mark in Norman, guiding the Sooners to their highest ranking since 2023, when Dillon Gabriel was under center. Mateer embodies the true dual-threat quarterback, as he is dangerous with his legs and just as capable of stretching the field through the air. A recent hand injury has complicated his case for the Heisman, as he is expected to miss some time, but his impact on the team has been undeniable. The Sooners are coming off a disappointing 5–7 season in 2024, capped by a bowl loss to Navy. But Mateer has flipped the script, sparking a 4–0 start with statement wins over ranked Auburn and Michigan. He’s also expected to suit up for the rowdy Red River Rivalry against Texas. If he keeps up this pace and takes down the Longhorns, the Heisman race may quickly become his to lose. Mateer has accounted for 1405 total yards both in the air and on the ground, and has also added 11 touchdowns. But, perhaps most importantly, Mateer has completely resurrected the Oklahoma football program.

2.  Fernando Mendoza

It should come as no surprise that Mateer and Mendoza are my two front-runners, as both have been stuffing the stat sheet in every game this season. Mendoza made the move to Bloomington from the University of California after former Hoosier QB Kurtis Rourke entered the NFL draft. Mendoza posted impressive numbers in Berkley last year; however, he has blossomed into a complete QB under Curt Cignetti. Mendoza has led the Hoosiers to more success this year as they are currently ranked eighth in the AP Poll. Much of this ranking can be attributed to Mendoza’s impeccable play. He led the team to a convincing 63-10 victory over ranked Illinois, throwing for 267 yards and five passing touchdowns. Mendoza is much less of a runner than Mateer, but he more than makes up for it with his arm talent. Mendoza has racked up 1,310 all-purpose yards this season while already matching last year’s touchdown total with 16. He’s also done an outstanding job protecting the football, throwing just one interception. By the end of the year, Mendoza will be totally battle-tested as he faces Oregon on Oct. 11 and Penn State on Nov. 8. If Mendoza and the Hoosiers can win just one of those matchups, the QB will have a résumé worthy of Heisman consideration.

3.  Dante Moore

Last year, during Rose Bowl media day, former Oregon WR Tez Johnson was asked about then-backup QB Dante Moore. Without hesitation, Johnson said, “He will be a Heisman finalist next year.” So far, it looks like Johnson had a crystal ball, as Moore has played like a seasoned four-year starter. Learning under Dillon Gabriel last year clearly paid off, and Moore has exceeded the expectations of college football fans nationwide. Recently, he stepped into one of the most challenging environments in the sport – a Penn State whiteout game – and came away with a win. The sophomore looked poised, shredding Penn State’s talented secondary for 248 passing yards and three total touchdowns. The Ducks are arguably the best team in the country, and much of their success has been attributed to Moore. While many underclassmen shrink under the bright lights, Moore has played his best football when the pressure is highest. Moore has racked up 1,332 total yards and 14 total touchdowns this season. Like Mendoza, he’s done an excellent job protecting the football, tossing just one interception. The matchup between Mendoza and Moore could very well end up being a deciding factor in the Heisman race.

4.  Sawyer Robertson

Coming into the year, Sawyer Robertson and the Baylor Bears were expected to contend for a Big 12 title. While the season has had some bumps in the road, Robertson has more than done his part to keep the team in the mix. Baylor faced three tough games against Auburn, SMU, and Arizona State, managing a win in just one of them. Still, Robertson threw for 1,109 yards and 10 touchdowns across those contests. For him to seriously contend for the Heisman, Baylor’s defense and supporting cast may need to step up, but his numbers have been impossible to ignore. The Waco quarterback currently leads the NCAAF with 1,713 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, while keeping the ball relatively safe with just three interceptions. If the Bears can go on a hot streak and Robertson maintains this level of play, Baylor could see its first Heisman winner since Robert Griffin III.

5.  Jayden Maiava

After a confusing and underwhelming 2024 season from the Trojans, expectations for the 2025 season were all over the place. The 2024 season was plagued by inconsistent QB play, and many fans expected the same to continue. However, it seems like Lincoln Riley has found his next big thing at QB in Jayden Maiava. Maiava, who transferred from UNLV before the start of last season, has been nothing short of phenomenal. USC has boasted arguably the most explosive offense in college football, and a large part of that is thanks to Maiava’s stellar play. Maiava and the Trojans have been impressive; however, they lack an impressive win. Although USC lost against its only ranked opponent, Illinois, Maiava still posted 364 yards through the air, and he and WR Makai Lemon flashed some serious chemistry. Maiava is second in the NCAAF with 1,587 passing yards and also boasts the best QBR in the NCAAF with a rating of 93.3. Maiava has also thrown 11 touchdowns compared to only one interception. He needs to will his team to victory against a noteworthy opponent, but if he does, do not be surprised if Maiava is present in New York on Dec. 14 at the Heisman ceremony.

Long shots

Makai Lemon

Lemon leads the NCAAF in receiving yards and has far and away been the best WR in college football this year. He has hands that many have compared to former Ohio State standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Although he isn’t going to blow you away with his size or speed, his routes are crisp, and his hands are almost automatic. He has played a huge role in Jayden Maiava’s Heisman-esque campaign.

Jeremiyah Love

Love came into the season as a very popular Heisman pick, and although he started relatively slow, he has completely dominated Notre Dame’s opponents in recent weeks. Against Purdue, Love rushed for 157 yards and added two touchdowns. This past week against Arkansas, Love tallied four total touchdowns. Love is also a terrific receiver, as he has totaled over 100 receiving yards so far. He does all this while splitting snaps with fellow RB Jadarian Price, who has also had an impressive 2025 campaign.

Ahmad Hardy

Statistics-wise, Hardy has been the best RB in college football this year. He is averaging 7.1 yards per carry and has rushed for 730 yards in five games. He has also found the end zone nine times. Hardy has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in every single one of Missouri’s games this season and has played an integral part in the Tigers’ success this year. If a non-QB were to win the Heisman, I am inclined to think it would be Hardy.

Reuben Bain Jr.

Stat sheet watchers may be confused with this pick, but if you watch Miami Hurricane football, one thing is apparent: Reuben Bain Jr. is an absolute game wrecker. Bain often gets double-teamed; however has been able to sack the QB twice, force a fumble once, and even pick the QB off once. Per PFF, Bain has a pass-rushing grade of 92.3 and a run defense grade of 92.6. Both of those grades are among the best in the country, and it is very rare for a defensive lineman to be rated so highly in both pass rush and run defense. If chaos ensues and the Heisman committee does away with their affection toward offensive players, Bain could be a trendy pick to take home the hardware.