A Big Weekend of College Football Ahead

This weekend promises to be action-packed in the college football scene.

Rivalries dominate the slate of games, impacting almost every matchup. There are plenty of reasons to tune in, whether it’s about playoff implications, potential coaching changes, the upcoming transfer window, or just the sheer excitement of the sport.

The Heisman race is no different.

Here’s the latest on the Heisman Trophy rankings and what each player has left to prove. We’ll also share how to catch the games this weekend. Interestingly, eight out of the nine contenders are set to play away games.

1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (LW: 1)

Last week, we discussed how Mendoza should approach the rest of the season like David Sims in the movie *Tin Cup.* The goal is to just keep it steady and avoid any major mistakes.

With Indiana not playing last week, Mendoza had no chance to slide down the ranks. They face Purdue this weekend in the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry. Unless something goes terribly wrong in that game—or later against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship—Mendoza should at least snag an invite to New York.

He’s likely to head there as the frontrunner.

Week 14 matchups: At Purdue, Friday 7:30 PM ET (NBC/Peacock)

2. Julian Sain, QB, Ohio State (LW: 2)

For Ohio State, while Colonel Tate and Jeremiah Smith missed the game against Rutgers, Julian Sain stepped up significantly, going 13 for 19, with 157 yards and two touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ 42-9 victory over the Scarlet Knights.

He’ll be on a huge stage Saturday against Michigan, which could set the stage for a potential Big Ten Championship appearance, especially against a rival quarterback he’s competing with directly.

Week 14 matchups: Michigan State, Saturday 12:00 PM ET (FOX)

3. Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt (LW: 3)

Pavia had a phenomenal game against Kentucky, even if it was a team with a less-than-stellar record. He completed 33 of 39 passes for 484 yards and five touchdowns in a 45-17 rout. Despite an interception, those stats were career highs for him.

After the game, Coach Clark Lee praised him. He said, “He’s the best player in the country and deserves to be in the Heisman conversation,” pointing out that players like Pavia can truly change the dynamics of a game.

If voting happened this week, he’d definitely find himself in New York.

But there’s still time left…

Week 14 matchups: At Tennessee, Saturday 3:30 PM ET (ESPN)

4. Marcell Reed, QB, Texas A&M (LW: 3)

Pavia’s standout performance pushed Marcel Reid down a spot, but it’s not due to any missteps on Reid’s part. He had a strong outing against Sanford, completing 10 of 15 passes for three touchdowns in a dominant 48-0 victory.

Coming up, Reid faces a crucial game on Friday against Texas and Arch Manning, an opportunity to make a strong impression in the Heisman discussion.

Week 14 matchups: In Texas, Friday 7:30 PM ET (ABC)

5. Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame (LW: 8)

One of the notable movements this week is that Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love is on the rise.

In a game against a struggling Syracuse, he rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns on just eight carries.

Currently, he ranks third in the nation for yards per game and second in total touchdowns. A lack of a conference title game could hinder him, but he’s certainly made a case for himself lately.

Week 14 matchups: At Stanford, Saturday 10:30 PM ET (ESPN)

6. Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia (LW: 6)

After a strong showing against Texas, Gunner Stockton’s recent game against Charlotte didn’t do much to build his Heisman resume; he completed 17 of 21 passes for 196 yards and threw an interception.

However, he’s gearing up for a rivalry game against Georgia Tech to possibly bolster his case further. Plus, the upcoming SEC Championship could play a role, but they need some help to qualify for that matchup.

Week 14 matchups: Friday at Georgia Tech, 3:30 PM ET (ABC)

7. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (LW: 7)

Texas Tech had a week off, so Jacob Rodriguez didn’t move up further in the Heisman rankings. Nonetheless, in an upcoming game against West Virginia, he might just snag more votes as a dark horse in the race.

Week 14 matchups: West Virginia, Friday 12 PM ET (ESPN)

8. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (LW: 5)

Alabama defeated Eastern Illinois 56-0, a game that helped head coach Karen DeBoer rest key players for the Iron Bowl.

However, this matchup didn’t really enhance Ty Simpson’s chances for the Heisman. He ended with two interceptions, 147 yards, and 11 completions in 19 attempts.

He’s going to need a strong showing against Auburn to get his candidacy back on track.

Week 14 matchups: At Auburn, Saturday 7:30 PM ET (ABC)

9. Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech (LW: 9)

Georgia Tech’s recent loss to Pittsburgh has likely dashed their College Football Playoff hopes, impacting Haynes King’s Heisman hopes too. He completed 27 of 41 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 76 yards with a score, but that loss has tarnished his Heisman narrative.

Still, a standout performance against Georgia could flip the script for him.

Week 14 matchups: vs. Georgia, Friday 3:30 PM ET (ABC)