The race for the prestigious Heisman Trophy is heating up as college football approaches conference championship weekend. With only days left for voters to cast their ballots, several standout players are positioning themselves for the coveted award. Key matchups this weekend could significantly influence the final outcome.
Julian Sayin Leads the Pack
Julian Sayin, quarterback for Ohio State, is currently a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, holding odds of +200. Following an impressive performance against rival Michigan, where he achieved an 82.0 PFF grade, Sayin threw three touchdown passes and posted an 83.3% adjusted completion rate. His season PFF grade of 93.4 is the highest among all quarterbacks, just shy of the overall leader, Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech, who has a 93.5 grade. Should Sayin maintain his form, he stands a strong chance of winning the award as Ohio State prepares to face No. 2 Indiana in the Big Ten Championship.
Diego Pavia and Fernando Mendoza in Close Competition
In second place is Diego Pavia from Vanderbilt, with odds of +180. Pavia has been instrumental in leading his team to a remarkable 10-2 record, marking the Commodores’ first 10-win season. With a PFF grade of 92.0 and 907 rushing yards, he has established himself as a key player, although it appears the Heisman race may primarily be between Sayin and the next contender.
Fernando Mendoza, quarterback for Indiana, holds the title of betting favorite with odds of +160. Mendoza leads the nation with 32 passing touchdowns and boasts a passer rating of 129.3, just slightly behind Sayin’s 129.9. The outcome of their matchup on Saturday will likely determine the Heisman winner, as both quarterbacks have put forth exceptional seasons.
Top Defensive Player and Rising Star
The Heisman conversation also includes Jacob Rodriguez, a linebacker from Texas Tech, who has the highest overall grade in college football at 93.5. Rodriguez has excelled defensively, earning a 95.2 run-defense grade and a 92.9 coverage grade, both leading among defenders. Despite his impressive statistics, including seven forced fumbles and four interceptions, it is uncertain if he will be a finalist for the Heisman ceremony in New York.
Another notable contender is Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, who ranks fifth with odds of +4000. Love has proven his prowess as a running back, leading FBS tailbacks with a PFF grade of 92.9. He currently ranks fourth in rushing yards and third in rushing touchdowns, making him a likely finalist alongside Sayin, Pavia, and Mendoza.
As the championship games unfold, the performances of these athletes will not only shape their individual legacies but also impact the trajectory of college football history. The Heisman Trophy remains one of the most prestigious awards in sports, and this weekend promises to deliver thrilling action and pivotal moments.
