New leader emerges in Heisman Trophy race entering week 8 of season
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was a week of close calls and top 10 upsets in college football on Saturday, shifting the top 25 rankings and the season's Heisman favorites.
2025 Heisman Trophy odds via FanDuel
- Carson Beck, +290
- Ty Simpson, +340
- Fernando Mendoza, +430
- Julian Sayin, +1500
- Jeremiah Smith, +1500
Miami quarterback Carson Beck takes the top spot and is now the favorite in the Heisman race, according to FanDuel. The Hurricanes are one of two teams in the ACC who remain undefeated with Beck tossing the ball for 1,213 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions so far this season. Beck is coming off a bye week, but most recently led his team to its third ranked win of the season in a 28-22 victory over No. 18 Florida State.
Against the Seminoles, Beck threw for 241 yards and four touchdowns.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson jumps to second in the Heisman race odds, with 1,678 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and a single interception through six games. Simpson and the Crimson Tide recently had a nail-biting 27-24 win over 14 Missouri this past Saturday. Alabama has now won five straight after losing its season-opening matchup against Florida State.
A new candidate to enter the top-five Heisman odds is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza and the Hoosiers took a signature win on Saturday against No. 3 Oregon, defeating the Ducks 30-20.
Against Oregon, Mendoza threw for 215 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception. Mendoza now has 17 passing touchdowns on the season.
The final two players to keep an eye on in this race are Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and star receiver Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes sit atop the AP top 25 poll and defeated No. 17 Illinois this past Saturday. Sayin threw for 166 passing yards and two touchdowns while facing the Illini, his fifth straight game with two-plus passing touchdowns.
Against Illinois, Smith caught the ball five times for 42 yards and a touchdown. Smith now has 505 receiving yards on the season and seven receiving touchdowns through six games.