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There’s no denying the Indiana Hoosiers are CFB’ best story in 2025, and quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the prohibitive choice to take home the Heisman.
Heisman Favorites
It’s the gold standard of awards in college football, right there with any in the world of sports. The Heisman Trophy symbolizes the best player in what used to be amateur football (but that’s another story). As of this Thanksgiving Week writing, the 2025 college season is winding down quickly, and a clear favorite has emerged to take home the hardware.
While the defending-champion Ohio State Buckeyes are favored once again, it’s a Big 10 (or Big Ten or B1G) conference rival who’s clearly been the story of the season.
Perennial doormat Indiana has enjoyed a renaissance, 11-0 as it readies to visit the Purdue Boilermakers this Friday evening (Nov. 28th) in West Lafayette, Ind. The final game of the regular season does not figure to be a fair fight against the 2-9 (0-8 conference) Boilermakers. IU is a nearly 30-point favorite.
If you’re looking at why the College Football Playoffs-bound Hoosiers have turned it around, start with junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The former California Golden Bear has shredded opposing defenses this season to the tune of 30 touchdown passes (just five interceptions) while completing 73 percent of his passes (2,641 passing yards).
Indiana is averaging 40.3 points per game (third in the country). It’s no surprise Mendoza is odds-on (-115) to win the Heisman Trophy, something no Hoosier has done previously. Running back Anthony Thompsom finished second (to Houston quarterback Andre Ware) back in 1989.
The second choice at 4-1 (+400) on the current Heisman odds board is Ohio State Buckeye quarterback Julian Sayin, ahead of the 9-2 (+450) Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love.
Vanderbilt Commodore quarterback Diego Pavia is fourth at 6-1 (+600), Marcel Reed, quarterback of the Texas A&M Aggies, rounds out the top five on the board at 11-1 (+1100).
Here’s a bit of primer on Heisman and its place in the annals of college football…
What is the Heisman Trophy Award?
Awarded by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York, the Heisman Trophy is given to the best player in college football each season. ‘Best’ is subjective, but if you want to have your hands on the award, have your hands on the ball. Quarterbacks and running backs lead the Heisman-by-position list with 39 each.
Why is it Called the Heisman?
The late 1800s-early 1900s Ohio-area coach and innovator John Heisman is the namesake of the award, honoring his contribution to CFB. It was known as the Downtown Athletic Club Award when first awarded to University of Chicago halfback Jay Berwanger in 1935. Heisman died in 1936, and the award was subsequently renamed in his honor.
How is the Heisman Trophy Winner Chosen?
There’s a ranked voting system among 870 members of the media across the United States who cover NCAA football, living (59) Heisman winners, and a single ‘fan’ vote.
Three points are given to the first choice of the voter, then two given to the second choice, and one to third choice. This is the process that figures to end with Heisman Trophy odds choice Fernando Mendoza of Indiana ‘stiff-arming’ the award.
Has a Heisman Winner Ever Not Gone to the NFL?
More than one might expect among Heisman winners. Starting with the first recipient, the aforementioned Jay Berwanger, in 1935. Berwanger, also the NFL’s first-ever draft choice back in ‘36, could not reach an agreement with either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Chicago Bears. He then became a foam-rubber salesman.
Any Final Thoughts?
As the college football schedule (regular season) winds down in 2025, it’s not blasphemy suggesting there have been a few Heisman-worthy performances this season. It’s difficult to overlook what’s happened in Bloomington, Indiana, with the Hoosiers, who not only have the overwhelming favorite to annex the Heisman, but also with a legit shot to come out of the pack and win the CFP.
- Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
