Heisman heat index: Week 13

Aaron Patrick Lenyear

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Heisman heat index: Week 13 image

Heisman Trophy, 11/19/2025

With the season winding down and we're not hitting the final stretch, the true list of Heisman Trophy candidates are starting to stack up. 

While this year's pool is quarterback-heavy, there are a few options who aren't under center. However, none of them are being featured in the lead-up to championship weekend. What makes the "final four" interesting is all of them come from two conferences and only one is West of the Mississippi river. 

Will there be a Heisman surprise in the last three weeks? Stay tuned to find out. Here's college football's top players in the 2025 season. 

Heisman Heat index for Week 13 

1. Fernando Mendoza - Indiana

The Heisman favorite. The heartbeat of the most surprising undefeated team in the nation. Fernando Mendoza is playing like he was built for this moment, completing 73% of his passes for 2,641 yards and 30 touchdowns against just five interceptions. Add in 200+ rushing yards and five more scores, and his résumé is complete. But it’s the cold-blooded, last-second touchdown against Penn State, the moment every Heisman campaign needs, that has elevated him above the pack. Right now, the trophy is his to lose.

2. Julian Sayin - Ohio State

The nation’s most accurate passer. The conductor of the No. 1 team in America. Julian Sayin is completing over 80% of his throws with 25 touchdowns and just four interceptions, operating an Ohio State offense that looks unstoppable. If the Buckeyes keep winning, and they usually do, Sayin’s steady excellence will keep him firmly in the hunt.

3. Marcel Reed - Texas A&M

Last week, Marcel Reed authored the comeback of the season, a 27-point rally to stun South Carolina. It was his Heisman moment, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With 2,632 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and another 391 rushing yards with six scores, Reed is playing electrifying, fearless football. His arrow is only rising.

4. Gunner Stockton - Georgia

Georgia’s latest quarterback star put on a masterclass against No. 10 Texas, going 24 of 29 for 229 yards and four touchdowns. Efficiency, command, and big-game poise, Stockton showcased it all. With 19 touchdowns to just three picks on the season, he’s keeping Georgia firmly in the championship conversation.

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Editorial Team