Heisman Race Intensifies as Week 13 Approaches in College Football

As the college football regular season nears its conclusion, the competition for the prestigious Heisman Trophy remains fierce. Week 13 promises to be a pivotal moment in determining the frontrunners for the award, with standout performances shaping the narrative.

Current Heisman Contenders

Julian Sayin, quarterback for Ohio State, continues to lead the Heisman race, holding a +170 betting line according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Sayin has showcased exceptional skill this season, posting a remarkable 93.4 passing grade, which is the highest in the nation by nearly three points. His accuracy is historic; if his current 80.1% completion rate holds, it will set a new all-time record. Additionally, his 84.9% adjusted completion rate ranks second in the history of Pro Football Focus, only trailing Bo Nix’s 85.5% from 2023.

Following closely behind is Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, who is the betting favorite to win the Heisman with a line of -105. Mendoza boasts a 90.9 PFF grade, placing him third among FBS quarterbacks. He leads the country with 30 passing touchdowns and has a passer rating of 129.6, just shy of Sayin’s mark.

Another notable contender is Jacob Rodriguez, a linebacker from Texas Tech, who has emerged as the highest-graded player in college football with a score of 93.8. Rodriguez excels in both run defense and coverage, earning grades of 95.5 and 93.3 respectively, making him a standout defender in the sport. His seven forced fumbles lead the FBS, and he is tied for the most defensive stops among Power Four linebackers with 56.

Other Noteworthy Candidates

The running back position is well represented by Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, who has maintained his status as one of the top tailbacks in college football. With a 92.3 PFF grade, Love leads FBS running backs while ranking fourth in both rushing yards and touchdowns. His impressive tally of 32 explosive runs positions him third nationally, and he also contributes significantly in the passing game with 274 receiving yards.

Finally, Diego Pavia from Vanderbilt rounds out the Heisman discussion with a strong performance this season. Pavia holds a 91.2 PFF grade, placing him second among FBS quarterbacks. His 676 rushing yards rank him fourth among Power Four quarterbacks, and he is tied for third in the FBS with a 90.3 passing grade. Should the Commodores earn a spot in the College Football Playoff, Pavia’s chances of attending the Heisman ceremony would significantly increase.

As the season progresses, performance in these final weeks will be critical for these contenders. The landscape of the Heisman race remains dynamic, with each game potentially reshaping the narrative as athletes vie for college football’s most coveted individual award.