With the 2025 college football season hitting rivalry week, there's tons of speculation about who might be in the Heisman Trophy race?
Considering the frontrunners have been quarterbacks for a majority of the season, the trend is another signal-caller be taking home hardware in New York next month. Here's the top three in a straw poll by On3.
The publication stops used top national analysts for their take on college football’s top award. Voting in this poll are Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman, Chris Low, Brett McMurphy, Pete Nakos, JD PicKell and Charles Power. Each of the national experts submitted a ballot with his top 10 players on it. 10 points for a first-place vote, nine for second, etc.
1. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana – 67 points
"Mendoza took a beating against Wisconsin, sacked a season-high five times. And that’s perhaps a concern moving forward for Indiana. But the veteran quarterback was excellent despite the pressure. He finished with 299 yards passing and his sixth game accounting for at least four touchdowns. That’s elite work and has Mendoza once again at the top of this week’s Heisman Trophy poll."
2. QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt – 55 points
"Pavia had a game for the ages against Kentucky, totaling more than 500 yards in the contest. He very nearly reached 500 yards passing, finishing with 484 on an 85% completion percentage afternoon. The veteran dual-threat quarterback has piloted the Commodores to a 9-2 record and the cusp of College Football Playoff contention. If Vanderbilt does make the postseason it’s going to be hard to keep Pavia from a New York City invite."
3. RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame – 52
"The focus in the race has been on the quarterbacks, but arguably nobody is hotter than Love. He has scored a touchdown in each of his games since the season opener, while he has recorded multiple touchdowns in three of the last four games. Love’s numbers on the year are also starting to look pretty juicy. He’s up to 1,306 yards — on 7.1 yards per carry — with 17 rushing touchdowns. He’s also got 274 receiving yards and three scores via the air."
A few takeaways from this list. Ohio State's Julian Sayin has slipped down. At least in the eyes of national analysts. This could be due to his supporting cast. Also, Love being moved up after a 70-7 beatdown of Syracuse is fitting.
Check out the rest of the top ten from On3's Thomas Goldkamp
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
- Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
- Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M