Read on foxsports.com2025 Heisman Trophy Watch: Quarterback Battle Heats Up After Week 11
The 2025 Heisman Trophy race has intensified following the 11th week of college football, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza reclaiming the top spot after a dramatic game-winning drive against Penn State. Ohio State's Julian Sayin remains close behind with his consistently efficient performances, while Alabama's Ty Simpson and Texas A&M's Marcel Reed continue to build compelling cases. This quarterback-dominated competition features four standout players from undefeated teams, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the regular season.
As the 2025 college football season enters its final stretch, the Heisman Trophy race has become a compelling quarterback battle featuring four exceptional talents from undefeated programs. Following the 11th full Saturday of action, the competition has intensified with dramatic performances that could ultimately determine who takes home college football's most prestigious individual award.
Current Heisman Trophy Frontrunners
The 2025 Heisman race has evolved into a tight competition between four quarterbacks who have led their teams to perfect records through Week 11. Each candidate brings unique strengths to the table, making this one of the most compelling Heisman battles in recent memory.
Fernando Mendoza: The Clutch Performer
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza reclaimed the top spot in the Heisman race following his defining moment against Penn State. With just two minutes remaining and his team needing a touchdown to preserve their undefeated season, Mendoza engineered an impressive 80-yard drive that culminated in a perfectly placed game-winning touchdown pass to receiver Omar Cooper Jr. This clutch performance under pressure demonstrated the qualities that often separate Heisman winners from other contenders.
Julian Sayin: The Model of Efficiency
Ohio State's Julian Sayin continues to build his case through remarkable consistency and precision. In the Buckeyes' 34-10 victory over Purdue, Sayin completed 27 of 33 passes for 303 yards and one touchdown, improving his NCAA-leading completion percentage to an impressive 80.8%. This marked the fifth consecutive week that Ohio State's offense has surpassed 30 points under Sayin's leadership, showcasing his ability to sustain elite performance throughout the season.
Strong Contenders in the Mix
While Mendoza and Sayin currently lead the race, two other quarterbacks remain strong contenders with compelling resumes of their own.
Ty Simpson: Alabama's Steady Leader
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson delivered another solid performance in the Crimson Tide's 20-9 victory over rival LSU. Simpson threw for 277 yards and one touchdown, with his most impressive sequence coming on a 53-yard connection with receiver Lotzeir Brooks followed immediately by a 13-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Williams. His ability to make big plays in crucial moments keeps him firmly in the Heisman conversation.
Marcel Reed: Texas A&M's Winning Machine
Texas A&M's Marcel Reed continues to build an impressive resume, having won nine straight games as the Aggies' starting quarterback. In their 38-17 victory over No. 22 Missouri, Reed threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns, helping keep Texas A&M's undefeated season alive. With critical games against South Carolina and No. 11 Texas remaining, Reed controls his destiny in both the SEC regular-season title race and the Heisman competition.
Looking Ahead to the Final Stretch
The remaining weeks of the regular season will be crucial for all four Heisman contenders. Each quarterback faces significant challenges that will test their mettle and provide opportunities to strengthen their cases. The competition remains exceptionally close, with the potential for dramatic shifts depending on performances in these final games. As the season approaches its conclusion, the Heisman Trophy race promises to deliver compelling drama right up to the announcement ceremony.
