Heisman Trophy rankings: Three leading candidates and two underdogs who have a chance to win college football’s highest honor

December 5, 2025

Conference Championship Week Has Arrived

This week is crucial, especially for the College Football Playoff. As No. 1 Ohio State squares off against No. 2 Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game, it also offers a last opportunity for college football’s top players to make their case for the Heisman Trophy.

Before diving into these matchups, let’s review the main contenders.

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

Fernando Mendoza had a solid outing against Purdue last Friday, completing 8 of 15 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns in Indiana’s 56-3 victory. While these numbers might not significantly impact his Heisman ambitions, he enters the Big Ten Championship Game as the frontrunner in these rankings.

However, the competition isn’t far behind. With two other quarterbacks making considerable strides, Mendoza must shine against Ohio State to secure the Heisman.

Next game: vs. Ohio State (Big Ten Championship Game)

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

Julian Sain had quite a debut as a starter, passing for 233 yards and three touchdowns in Ohio State’s 27-9 win over Michigan. Although he threw an interception, his overall season stats are impressive: a completion rate of 78.9% with 30 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions.

This weekend’s matchup presents a significant chance for Sain to catch up with Mendoza. A standout performance could tip the scales in his favor for the Heisman.

Next game: vs. Indiana (Big Ten Championship Game)

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

Vanderbilt might not secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, being ranked No. 14, but Diego Pavia is certainly making waves as a Heisman candidate. He led Vanderbilt to a 45-24 victory over Tennessee, marking the school’s first-ever 10-win season. Despite some early struggles, including two interceptions, he also managed a touchdown both through the air and on the ground.

The narrative around Pavia and Vanderbilt’s success could resonate well with Heisman voters.

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

Jeremiah Love experienced a bit of a scare during the game against Stanford, needing a quick check-up in the medical tent. Thankfully, he returned to score on Notre Dame’s opening drive and finished with 66 rushing yards and a touchdown.

While his stats may not be as eye-catching as usual, he achieved significant milestones by breaking school records for career touchdowns and tying the record for rushing touchdowns in a season. As Notre Dame awaits its fate in the College Football Playoff, Love’s performance may have given him enough merit for an invitation to New York City.

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

This week saw a notable ascent for Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who threw three touchdown passes against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, leading Alabama to the SEC Championship Game. This gives Simpson one last opportunity to impress Heisman voters while keeping Alabama in the playoff hunt.

His season stats are solid—but whether they’ll be enough for a nod in New York remains to be seen.

Next game: vs. Georgia (SEC Championship Game)

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

Georgia defeated Georgia Tech to finish the regular season, and they’ll now face Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. Still, Gunner Stockton’s performance against the Yellow Jackets may not have turned heads—11 completions on 21 attempts for just 70 yards, alongside one touchdown and one interception.

His overall season stats look better, particularly against ranked teams, but he needs a standout performance against Alabama to re-enter the Heisman conversation.

Next game: vs. Alabama (SEC Championship Game)

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

Though Diego Pavia may be the current frontrunner, Jacob Rodriguez is still in contention. He’s gearing up for a rematch with BYU in the Big 12 Championship Game, and after a previous game where he recorded 14 tackles and two turnovers, he has a chance to elevate his Heisman hopes.

A repeat performance could be exactly what he needs.

Next game: vs. BYU (Big 12 Championship Game)

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

Texas A&M’s recent loss to Texas not only took the Aggies out of playoff contention but likely dashed Marcell Reed’s Heisman aspirations. In that game, he threw two interceptions and was held without a touchdown for the first time since September.

With the schedule now set, Reed’s last shot at impressing Heisman voters fizzled out in a frustrating match.

9. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (LW: NR)

Jeremiah Smith made a comeback against Michigan after an injury layoff, and his performance—especially a 35-yard touchdown catch—helped Ohio State take the lead. While an invitation to New York feels out of reach, a strong game against Indiana might strengthen his case.