Robert Griffin III released his top nine Heisman Trophy contenders this week, and there was a surprise omission heading into Week 3.
"John Mateer is not on my Heisman list, and the reason isn't because I have a dislike for Oklahoma fans or the Oklahoma team," Griffin told The Sporting News ahead of USAA's 'Positive Steps' event Wednesday.
Mateer led No. 13 Oklahoma to a 24-13 victory against No. 23 Michigan on Sept. 6. Mateer finished 21 of 34 for 270 yards with a TD and an interception. He had 19 carries for 74 yards and two TDs. The Washington State transfer ranks second in the nation in total offense with 380 yards per game.
Griffin – who won the Heisman Trophy at Baylor in 2011 — said Mateer is 10th on his weekly list, and he believes the Sooners' quarterback can maintain that pace through the season with the combination of statistics and the SEC spotlight.
Heisman Front Runners after week 2
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 8, 2025
1. USF Byrum Brown
2. FSU Thomas Castellanos
3. Miami Carson Beck
4. Baylor Sawyer Robertson
5. LSU Garrett Nussmeier
6. Auburn Jackson Arnold
7. Arkansas Taylen Green
8. Texas A&M Marcel Reed
9. Texas Tech Behren Morton pic.twitter.com/DCU2RM6VEj
"Getting the big win against Michigan last week shot him to the top of a lot of people's lists because of the name of Oklahoma – but on my list I went nine deep and John Mateer hasn't played better than any of the nine quarterbacks on the list," Griffin said. "If he continues to balloon up and play up at a high level – I think for sure he will not just crack but I think he can maintain being the favorite on other people's lists."
MORE: Sporting News 136: South Florida on the rise
Who is Robert Griffin III's Heisman front-runner?
Griffin's Heisman Trophy front-runner through Week 2 is South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown, who guided the Bulls to early-season victories against Boise State and Florida. No. 18 South Florida has a chance to upset a third straight ranked opponent against No. 5 Miami on Saturday.
"I don't think any team has more impressive early-season wins than South Florida," Griffin said. "The reason they have won these games is because of Byrum Brown and the way he has played. To knock off Boise State and also come out and knock off Florida in Gainesville – I said they should be ranked in the top 25 and they are – and they are probably ranked too low."
Brown has 473 passing yards, 109 rushing yards and three total TDs through two games. Griffin recalled seeing Brown in action in a 17-3 loss against No. 10 Alabama on Sept. 16, 2023.
"They literally took Alabama to the brink of Defcon 75 in that game, and Byrum Brown was the quarterback then as well," Brown said. "It's a really good feel-good story for South Florida. Miami is more immensely talented than this South Florida team, but I don't think there is a team playing closer than South Florida right now."
Miami quarterback Carson Beck – who had 472 yards and four TDs – also made Griffin's list.
MORE: Picks against the spread for Week 3's Top 25 games
Robert Griffin III has three early-season Heisman sleepers
Griffin mentioned three sleepers in his interview with The Sporting News.
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green had six TD passes in the opener against Alabama A&M and rushed for 151 yards in Week 2 against Arkansas State. Green has 11 total TDs heading into a Week 3 matchup against Ole Miss.
"Taylen Green had six TDs in Week 1," Griffin said. "I don't care who you are playing against. That's a Heisman-worthy performance. If Taylen Green comes out and plays like he has the first two weeks against Ole Miss, I think he jumps."
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed has 509 passing yards and seven TDs through two games. The Aggies are ranked No. 16 and finish a home-and-home series with No. 8 Notre Dame on Saturday.
"Let's make no mistake about it, Marcel Reed is probably playing against 'America's Team,'" Griffin said. “If they go out and they win, it's because Marcel Reed plays at an extremely high level. He could make a big jump on this list."
Griffin also likes Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson who had 440 yards and four TDs in a thrilling 48-45 victory against SMU in Week 2. Robertson leads the FBS in total offense with 430 yards per game.
"I think he's a top-10 pick in the draft," Griffin said. "He is the best quarterback in college football right now, and he's playing like it. You could make the argument he could have been on the Heisman list after the Auburn game."
MORE: Latest College Football Playoff forecast after Week 2
Robert Griffin III talks USAA partnership
Griffin participated in the "Positive Steps" campaign with USAA Life Insurance in Norfolk, Va., on Wednesday. Griffin visited with local school children at Junior Achievement and unveiled a Positive Steps staircase.
"This community here in Norfolk, Va., gave back to me as a player playing for the Washington Commanders," Griffin said. "It's only right that I come back here and give back to them – even if it's just with time. It's genuine as a military brat. Being in the military community down here in Norfolk and something I always cherish."
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