It’s Autumn Again

That means it’s time to check out how college football players are stepping up and vying for the Heisman Trophy.

As we approach week 9, it’s becoming clearer who the top contenders are for the 2025 Heisman Trophy according to SB Nation.

1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Indiana wrapped up a thrilling season with a dominant 38-13 victory over Michigan State. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza dazzled by completing 24 of 28 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns.

This season, he’s completed 73.5% of his throws, amassing 1,755 yards and 21 touchdowns against just two interceptions. This puts him in a three-way tie for the most touchdown passes in the country, and his impressive pass efficiency rating of 191.01 is the highest among all college quarterbacks.

Notably, Mendoza led Indiana to a signature win on the road against Oregon State, where he completed 20 of 31 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. If he delivers a strong showing in the Big Ten Championship Game, it could really solidify his Heisman candidacy.

Of course, the Hoosiers are expected to reach that point.

2. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Crimson Tide is back on the rise.

Following an early setback against Florida State, Alabama has rebounded with six consecutive wins, four of which were against ranked teams. Just last week, they took down Tennessee at home, marked by cigar smoke lingering at Saban Field as quarterback Ty Simpson led his team to victory.

Simpson added to his growing Heisman profile by completing 19 of 29 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns in that game. During Alabama’s four-game win streak against ranked opponents, Simpson has been nearly flawless, throwing for 1,069 yards and nine touchdowns with only one interception.

Looking ahead, Alabama has some high-stakes matchups on the horizon, hosting both LSU and Oklahoma in early November, which could further boost Simpson’s Heisman chances with a strong showing.

3. Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt

Pavia’s campaign took a hit when Vanderbilt faced Alabama in Week 6, but the team bounced back last weekend by defeating LSU 31-24, with Pavia throwing a touchdown and rushing for two more, raising his season total to 19 touchdowns.

This weekend presents another opportunity for him to shine against No. 15 Missouri State. With games against Texas and Tennessee still on the schedule, he’s got some prime chances to catch the eyes of Heisman voters.

Oh, and his backstory is fascinating—voters tend to appreciate a compelling narrative.

4. Marcell Reed, QB, Texas A&M

Quietly, the Aggies have climbed to No. 3 in the rankings. They’ve had significant victories, including a 41-40 win over Notre Dame, but tougher challenges lie ahead, especially a game this weekend at LSU.

Reed has used this season to craft his Heisman narrative, boasting 15 touchdown passes, four rushing touchdowns, and a completion rate of 61.9%. His contributions in the close game against Notre Dame earlier in the season were pivotal. If Texas A&M continues to rise, so will Reed’s candidacy.

5. Julian Sain, QB, Ohio State University

Currently, the Buckeyes hold the top spot nationwide.

As quarterback of the No. 1 team, Sain is naturally a leading contender for the Heisman. But that’s not just a given; he’s had standout performances, including a four-touchdown game in a 34-0 win over Wisconsin. This season, he’s thrown 19 touchdowns with only three interceptions and boasts an impressive 80% completion rate.

He’s also excelled against top-ranked rivals, throwing for 292 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in two of Ohio State’s wins this year. However, one concern is that the Buckeyes won’t face another ranked opponent until their regular-season finale against Michigan. A strong performance there, along with a potential Big Ten Championship Game, could sway voters in his favor.

6. Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia

One of the most pivotal matchups in Week 8 was between Georgia and Mississippi, and with the Bulldogs’ win, Stockton’s Heisman hopes received a significant boost.

He threw four touchdown passes in a nail-biting 43-35 victory, bringing his season total to 10 touchdown passes, alongside seven rushing touchdowns. He’s been almost perfect in the SEC, with a completion rate of 71.1% and only one interception against conference foes.

With a big game against Texas coming up, this could be a crucial moment for Stockton to enhance his Heisman argument. The season finale against Georgia Tech also looms large.

7. Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is impressively sitting at No. 7 in the AP Top 25 after their recent win over Duke, marking their best start since 1966.

This ranking is the highest the Yellow Jackets have achieved since 2009. King has been instrumental in leading his team, scoring 120 rushing yards and one touchdown last week, giving him a total of 10 rushing touchdowns and four passing touchdowns this season.

Imagine if Georgia Tech can finish strong and snag a win against Georgia—King’s Heisman credentials would skyrocket.

8. Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Shifting gears, let’s look at a non-quarterback candidate, shall we?

Leading the charge is Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, who has been climbing up the ranks despite earlier setbacks. After the Fighting Irish knocked off USC last week, Love shone brightly, accumulating a career-high 228 yards on 24 carries with one touchdown.

This season, he’s rushed for 758 yards averaging 6.1 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns, keeping Notre Dame in playoff contention. A win is crucial to their playoff dreams, but their remaining schedule lacks ranked opponents. However, things could change if Navy continues to perform well.

9. Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri

Love isn’t the only back making noise—Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy is also in the mix, boasting impressive stats that put him third in rushing yards nationally.

With Missouri currently ranked 10th, they’ll face Vanderbilt this weekend, a perfect chance for Hardy to make a statement. He’ll also have opportunities against Texas A&M and Oklahoma later on to wow the voters.

10. Reuben Bain Jr., Miami, Delaware

We’ve seen defensive players make a push for the Heisman before, and this year, Miami’s Reuben Bain Jr. is the standout candidate.

Although his stats don’t match his extraordinary 2023 season, Bain remains an essential part of Miami’s defense, consistently applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Even with the recent drop in Miami’s rankings after a loss to Louisville, they remain in the College Football Playoff picture, and Bain plays a crucial role in that.