New York, NY—The 2025 Heisman Trophy race has boiled down to four extraordinary playmakers who defined the season with historic performances and unforgettable moments. Notre Dame’s Jeremyah Love, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin each traveled a different road to college football’s biggest stage—but all have a legitimate case to be called the best player in America.
Jeremyah Love – RB, Notre Dame
The Explosive Engine of the Irish Offense
Notre Dame’s success this fall revolved around one man: Jeremyah Love. The junior running back powered the Irish with speed, agility, and a fierce competitive edge that made him one of the sport’s most dangerous playmakers. Love amassed over 1,700 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns, routinely gashing elite defenses and turning routine runs into highlight reels.
Why he can win: Love’s blend of consistency and explosion makes him a rare back in today’s quarterback-driven era. His performances against USC, Clemson, and Georgia Tech became defining “Heisman moments.” Every time Notre Dame’s offense needed a spark, Love lit the fuse.
Fernando Mendoza – QB, Indiana
The Program-Changer Who Ignited the Hoosiers
When Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana, few predicted the Hoosiers would become a Big Ten powerhouse—but that’s exactly what happened. Mendoza’s poise and precision at quarterback transformed the offense into one of the conference’s most balanced and efficient units. He threw for 3,765 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions, guiding Indiana to its best season in decades and putting them in the national spotlight.
Why he can win: The Heisman often rewards players who elevate their teams beyond expectations, and no one embodied that more than Mendoza. He turned a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten squad into a national contender, showing leadership, maturity, and a clutch gene that delivered in every tight game. His story of transformation isn’t just impressive—it’s quintessentially Heisman.
Diego Pavia – QB, Vanderbilt
The Tough-as-Nails Playmaker Who Brought Vandy to Life
After transferring from New Mexico State, Diego Pavia gave Vanderbilt football something it had lacked: belief. His fiery competitiveness and dual-threat ability transformed the Commodores into one of the SEC’s toughest outs. Pavia threw for 3,412 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 846 yards and 11 more scores, producing one of the most complete stat lines in school history.
Why he can win: Pavia personifies the intensity and grit of a player who refuses to back down. Every game felt like a backyard brawl that he managed to win. His energy, leadership, and ability to create magic on broken plays turned Vanderbilt into appointment television—and himself into a legitimate Heisman contender.
Julian Sayin – QB, Ohio State
The Brilliant Field General Who Fell Just Short—but Played Like a Champion
At 12–1, the Buckeyes’ season ran through the poised brilliance of Julian Sayin. The sophomore quarterback threw for 4,180 yards, 37 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, combining surgical efficiency with an NFL-caliber arm. His command of Ohio State’s offense brought them to the brink of perfection before a narrow 13–10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten title game.
Why he can win: Sayin’s performance across the season set a new standard for calm under pressure. Even in defeat, he displayed the precision, leadership, and competitive poise that define a Heisman contender. In a program built on quarterback legends, Sayin already looks like the next great name in Ohio State history.
Four Players, One Unforgettable Season
Love’s explosiveness. Mendoza’s leadership. Pavia’s grit. Sayin’s brilliance. The 2025 Heisman Trophy ceremony features four players who didn’t just dominate—they redefined their teams and inspired fan bases nationwide. The outcome may come down to a few votes, but no matter who lifts the trophy, one truth is clear: this season has already made college football history.
