Top 5 Heisman Trophy Candidates Rankings as Conference Championship Weekend Approaches

The race for the Heisman Trophy is heating up as the college football season approaches its climax. Current odds indicate a tight contest primarily between quarterbacks Julian Sayin, Fernando Mendoza, and Diego Pavia. With the Big Ten Championship Game looming, its likely the ultimate showdown will center on two quarterbacks, while the rest compete for recognition at the award ceremony.

1. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes

Julian Sayins biggest challenge for Heisman voters has been a perceived lack of defining moments. Despite a quiet season opener against Texas, he has dominated throughout the season, with Ohio State outscoring opponents by +344 points in the regular season. Sayins standout performance came at Michigan Stadium, where, after an early interception, he rebounded to complete 17 of 24 passes for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 9.7 yards per attempt.

He finished the season leading the nation with a 78.9% completion rate, ahead of the next quarterback at 74.7%. Additionally, he topped the Heisman-caliber quarterbacks in both ESPN QBR (91.4) and Pro Football Focus grade (93.5). Sayin is currently the front-runner heading into the Big Ten Championship and will solidify his position with a win over Indiana.

2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers

Indianas Fernando Mendoza currently holds the best Heisman odds and is favored by award voters. Mendoza leads all Power Five quarterbacks in yards per attempt (9.4) and ranks fourth in completion percentage (72%) among peers with over 280 attempts. Notably, in a win against Illinois, he threw five touchdowns compared to only two incompletions. Mendoza has consistently delivered clutch performances, including engineering the game-winning touchdown against Oregon, handing them their only loss of the season. A victory over Ohio State would likely make him the consensus Heisman favorite.

3. Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt Commodores

Diego Pavias candidacy faces hurdles as Vanderbilt will not compete in the SEC Championship. He experienced a midseason dip, completing only 59.2% of passes with a 2-2 TD-INT ratio and losing to Alabama. Despite these challenges, Pavia has led Vanderbilt to unprecedented success, guiding the Commodores to a 10-win season for the first time in program history. He ranks just behind Mendoza in points responsible for (218) among FBS players. While deserving of Heisman recognition, Pavias ranking is likely second behind Mendoza.

4. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

After a slow start against Miami, Jeremiyah Love exploded over the remaining 11 games, rushing for 1,339 yards at 121.7 yards per game, with 254 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns. His 7.1 yards-per-carry average ranks second in the nation among Power Five players. Love has been one of the most dynamic running backs this season, and his performance will be crucial if Notre Dame reaches the College Football Playoff.

5. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech Red Raiders

The fifth Heisman spot is highly competitive, but Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez earns the nod. Rodriguez contributed offensively with three total touchdowns while anchoring a defense that led the nation in stop rate. He also led all linebackers in forced fumbles (7) and tied for 16th in interceptions (4). His all-around impact makes him a standout candidate in this years rankings.

Author: Sophia Brooks