Big Ten Quarterbacks Lead 2025 Heisman Trophy Race as Championship Looms

The 2025 Heisman Trophy race has evolved into a compelling quarterback duel between two Big Ten standouts, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State's Julian Sayin emerging as clear frontrunners heading into conference championship weekend. Both players have delivered exceptional seasons that have propelled their teams to the top of college football, setting up a potential Heisman-deciding showdown in the Big Ten Championship game.

The Current Heisman Landscape

According to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, Fernando Mendoza maintains his position as the favorite at +125, while Julian Sayin has closed the gap significantly to +135 following his standout performance against Michigan. The narrowing margin reflects how competitive this year's Heisman race has become, with both quarterbacks making compelling cases for college football's most prestigious individual award.

Fernando Mendoza: The Frontrunner

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza has been the story of the college football season, leading the Hoosiers to their first undefeated regular season in program history. The quarterback's remarkable campaign includes a nation-leading 32 passing touchdowns, a statistic that significantly strengthens his Heisman credentials. Mendoza first emerged as a serious contender when he threw five touchdowns in Indiana's dominant 63-point performance against Illinois early in the season.

His Heisman odds surged to +600 after Week 7 when he threw for 215 yards and one touchdown in Indiana's victory over then-No. 3 Oregon. The consistent excellence throughout the season has positioned Mendoza as the player to beat heading into championship weekend.

Julian Sayin: The Surging Contender

Ohio State's Julian Sayin has been steadily gaining ground on Mendoza over the past four weeks and nearly closed the gap entirely after his impressive performance against Michigan. In his first start against the Wolverines, the sophomore quarterback completed 19-of-26 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns, helping Ohio State break their four-game losing streak against their archrivals.

Sayin currently ranks second in the Big Ten with 30 passing touchdowns and has demonstrated the poise and playmaking ability that defines Heisman-caliber quarterbacks. His rapid ascent in the odds reflects both his individual excellence and the significance of his performances in high-stakes games.

The Championship Showdown

The upcoming Big Ten Championship game between Indiana and Ohio State represents more than just a conference title battle—it could very well determine the Heisman Trophy winner. Both quarterbacks will have the national stage to make their final case to voters, with the winner potentially securing the award through championship performance.

This matchup features contrasting narratives: Mendoza leading Indiana's historic undefeated season against Sayin's Ohio State squad seeking conference supremacy. The outcome could swing Heisman votes significantly, particularly if one quarterback outperforms the other in the championship setting.

Other Contenders in the Race

While Mendoza and Sayin dominate the conversation, other players remain in contention, though with longer odds. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia sits at +330 after leading the Commodores to their first win against Tennessee since 2018. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love maintains +1400 odds despite setting the school's single-season touchdown record with 21 scores.

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, while a long shot at +20000, deserves recognition as he approaches becoming the first Buckeye to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons as a freshman and sophomore. However, the quarterback position's prominence and the Big Ten's national spotlight have clearly favored Mendoza and Sayin in this year's race.

Conclusion

The 2025 Heisman Trophy race has developed into one of the most compelling in recent memory, with two Big Ten quarterbacks separated by the slimmest of margins. Fernando Mendoza's record-breaking season and leadership of Indiana's historic undefeated campaign provide a strong foundation for his candidacy, while Julian Sayin's late-season surge and clutch performances have positioned him as a legitimate threat.

As the college football world turns its attention to the Big Ten Championship game, all eyes will be on these two quarterbacks as they compete not only for conference supremacy but potentially for the sport's highest individual honor. The stage is set for a championship weekend that could ultimately determine which Big Ten quarterback hoists the Heisman Trophy.