The 2025 Heisman Trophy race has reached its final stage, and college football fans are turning their attention toward New York City as the sport prepares to crown its most outstanding player. This year’s group of finalists reflects a blend of elite quarterback play and dynamic rushing talent, each bringing a unique narrative shaped by big-game moments, consistent production, and program-defining success. The four finalists are Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. The race has largely centered on who delivered the clearest Heisman moment and the strongest all-around résumé during the season.
No player has captured the national conversation more than Fernando Mendoza, whose breakout season has propelled Indiana into the spotlight. Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a perfect 13–0 record, a Big Ten Championship, and their first-ever No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. He finished the regular season with 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, just 6 interceptions, along with 240 rushing yards and 6 rushing scores, all while playing with a level of poise that belied his experience. His balanced production allowed Indiana to navigate a challenging schedule and maintain consistency on both sides of the ball. For a program with little Heisman history, Mendoza’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his leadership became the foundation for one of the most surprising undefeated campaigns in recent memory.
Mendoza’s strongest argument for the Heisman came in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State. Facing fellow finalist Julian Sayin, he delivered a calm and efficient performance, completing 15 of 23 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. Several late-game completions, including a critical throw that set up the game-winning points, helped preserve Indiana’s 13–10 victory and cemented what many consider his defining “Heisman moment.” In a sport where late-season heroics often sway voters, Mendoza elevated his play when the stakes were highest, giving Indiana its first Big Ten title in decades. His blend of production, undefeated team success, and signature moments has shaped one of the strongest cases in this year’s race.
Although Mendoza has surged to the top of the conversation, the other finalists each present compelling arguments. Julian Sayin produced one of the cleanest statistical seasons in the nation, surpassing 3,300 passing yards and delivering 31 touchdowns while leading an Ohio State offense that ranked among the most efficient in college football. His composure and accuracy kept him in the running all year, but the Buckeyes’ loss to Indiana in the conference championship may have stalled his Heisman momentum at a critical time. Diego Pavia, meanwhile, elevated Vanderbilt with his dynamic dual-threat play style, contributing both through the air and on the ground. His impact on a traditionally underdog program earned national praise, though the Commodores’ overall record could limit his appeal among voters who prioritize team performance. Running back Jeremiyah Love offers a different profile, serving as the engine of Notre Dame’s offense and one of the nation’s most consistent rushing threats. While running backs face long odds in a quarterback-driven era, Love’s production was impactful enough to earn him a deserved spot among the finalists.
Despite Mendoza’s strong narrative and statistical backing, there are still factors that could influence the final vote. Some voters may see his numbers as excellent but not overwhelmingly dominant compared to past Heisman-winning quarterbacks. Others may favor Julian Sayin’s efficiency or Diego Pavia’s all-around production. The Heisman electorate has historically split between those who emphasize individual statistics and those who reward players whose performances directly contributed to team success, making this year’s decision particularly intriguing.
Even with these uncertainties, Fernando Mendoza appears to hold the most complete case heading into the ceremony. He combined elite play with program-changing leadership, delivered under championship pressure, and guided Indiana to a perfect season. These are achievements that carry tremendous weight in the eyes of voters. While Sayin, Pavia, and Love each bring significant merit, Mendoza’s historic run at Indiana may ultimately define the 2025 Heisman Trophy race.