The 2025 Heisman Trophy Race: Four Stars Defining College Football’s Season

photo from espn.com

Nov 6, 2025, 3:15pm

The 2025 college football season has given fans one of the most exciting and unpredictable Heisman Trophy races in years. With no clear preseason favorite pulling away, several dynamic quarterbacks have emerged to lead their programs into the national conversation in November.

At the heart of it all are four names who have captured the country’s attention: Julian Sayin (Ohio State), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), Ty Simpson (Alabama), and Marcel Reed (Texas A&M). Each brings a unique story, skillset, and path to college football’s most prestigious individual award.

Julian Sayin – The Sophomore Phenom Leading the Buckeyes

When Julian Sayin arrived at Ohio State, expectations were sky-high, but few expected him to play this well, this fast. Sayin has taken complete command of the Buckeyes’ offense, displaying remarkable poise and precision that’s rare for a first-year starter.

Sayin’s combination of arm talent, quick decision-making, and composure under pressure has elevated Ohio State’s passing game back to elite status. He’s thriving in a system built around tempo and timing, consistently spreading the ball to a deep group of receivers while minimizing mistakes.

What makes Sayin’s Heisman case special isn’t just his numbers, it’s his leadership. He’s handling the moment like a veteran, guiding one of the nation’s most storied programs back into national title contention to hopefully repeat what was done last season. If the Buckeyes remain undefeated or finish atop the Big Ten, Sayin has a legitimate chance to be joining elite company of Sophomore Quarterbacks who have won the position before such as: Tim Tebow 2007 (Florida), Sam Bradford 2008 (Oklahoma), Lamar Jackson 2016 (Louisville), Bryce Young 2021 (Alabama), and Caleb Williams 2022 (USC). 

Fernando Mendoza – The Surprise Star Powering Indiana’s Breakthrough

If there’s one name no one expected to see in the Heisman race this season, it’s Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana quarterback has been the face of one of college football’s biggest surprises with the Hoosiers’ rising into Big Ten contention.

Mendoza has been outstanding, combining accuracy with creativity in a fast-paced attack that’s giving defenses fits. His pocket awareness and touch on deep throws have helped Indiana’s offense reach new heights, while his leadership has completely transformed the program’s energy.

What makes his campaign even more compelling is the narrative. Besides their first playoff berth last season, Indiana hasn’t been in the national spotlight for decades, and Mendoza has single-handedly brought them there He’s proving that the Heisman isn’t always about playing for a powerhouse. It’s about impact, production, and carrying your team beyond expectations.

If the Hoosiers can stay competitive down the stretch, Mendoza could become one of the most unlikely Heisman finalists in modern college football history.

Ty Simpson – The Veteran Commander Keeping Alabama’s Legacy Alive

Ty Simpson has waited his turn, and now he’s delivering in the spotlight. After years of developing under Alabama’s system, Simpson has emerged as the leader of the Crimson Tide’s offense and he’s thriving in the role.

This season, he’s shown tremendous growth as a passer, blending confidence with consistency. His deep-ball accuracy has improved, and he’s developed into a patient, efficient decision-maker. What’s more, he’s added versatility as a runner, giving Alabama’s attack a balanced dynamic that’s been difficult for opposing defenses to stop.

The Heisman voters love proven winners, and Simpson checks that box. He’s leading one of the most talented rosters in the country, keeping Alabama firmly in the playoff race. If the Tide finish the year as SEC champions, Simpson’s leadership and steady excellence could very well earn him a trip to New York and a serious shot at winning the trophy.

Marcel Reed – The Dual-Threat Spark Igniting Texas A&M

While some candidates have built their cases with stats, Marcel Reed has built his with electricity. The Texas A&M quarterback has been one of the most exciting players in college football this year, energizing the Aggies’ offense with both his arm and his legs.

Reed’s ability to improvise makes him a nightmare for defenses. He’s turned broken plays into highlight reels, extending drives and creating momentum out of nothing. Beyond the flash, though, Reed has shown copious amounts of maturity. His decision-making and accuracy have improved significantly, allowing A&M to stay competitive in every game.

His Heisman case rests on moments. Reed already delivered several statement performances in big SEC matchups and a huge overtime win up in South Bend. With a few more under the bright lights, his stock could skyrocket. If Texas A&M finishes strong and Reed continues his late-season surge, he could be the dark horse that surprises everyone.

The Bigger Picture: What Makes This Year Special

This year’s Heisman race reflects something that’s been missing in recent seasons, balance and variety. There’s no runaway favorite, no clear super team dominating the conversation. Instead, four quarterbacks with distinct stories and styles are making their mark:

• Sayin represents the next generation — a sophomore proving he belongs among college football’s elite.

• Mendoza is the underdog — a leader rewriting the narrative of an entire program.

• Simpson is the steady veteran — guiding one of the sport’s greatest dynasties with confidence.

• Reed is the spark — the fearless playmaker who brings chaos and brilliance in equal measure.

Each player embodies a different piece of what makes college football magical: youth, redemption, dominance, and excitement.

413’s Outlook: A Race That Will Come Down to December

With rivalry games and conference championships still to come, the Heisman picture remains fluid. Julian Sayin may be the current favorite, but the gap between him and the field is razor-thin. Fernando Mendoza’s underdog story continues to captivate voters, while Ty Simpson and Marcel Reed are both capable of signature moments that could shift the narrative in an instant.

Ultimately, this race will likely be decided by who performs best under the brightest lights. Which are the late-season primetime matchups and championship stages where legends are made.

One thing is certain: whether it’s a young phenom, a breakout star, or a veteran leader, the 2025 Heisman Trophy will go to a player who defined not just games, but the entire season.