The Heisman Trophy has been handed out annually since 1935, with the first winner being Jay Berwanger, a running back from Chicago, and the most recent winner being Travis Hunter from Colorado. Over the last 10 seasons, this award has been predominantly handed out to starting quarterbacks, but there's been the occasional running back or wide receiver that's taken home this award. This season, there are four players that received the invite to New York, three of them being quarterbacks and one lone running back from South Bend. Here's an overview look of the contenders for the Heisman Trophy which will be awarded tomorrow night. 

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Indiana 

As things stand right now, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the odds-end favorite to win the award, and when you look at his accolades, it's not a mystery as to why. The Hoosiers are 13-0 for the first time in program history and won the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 1967. Mendoza is undefeated as a starter in Bloomington and put up really good numbers along the way. He finished the season with 2,980 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, completed 71.5 percent of his passes, rushed for 240 yards and six additional touchdowns and only threw six interceptions throughout the season. On their way to an undefeated season, Indiana downed Illinois, Iowa on the road, Oregon on the road, Penn State on the road and Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game.  

Quarterback Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt 

New Mexico native Diego Pavia has the second best odds to bring home the Heisman Trophy. Overall, he's 17-8 as a starter dating back to last season and led the Commodores to a 10-2 record this season and a big in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Vanderbilt spent the majority of the season ranked in the AP and CFP Top 25 and Pavia played a major role. He finished the regular season with 3,192 passing yards, 826 rushing yards, 27 passing touchdowns and nine rushing touchdowns. It was evident from the start of the season, Pavia was the heart and soul of this Vanderbilt offense. He is the first Vanderbilt player to ever be named a finalist for college football's most prestigious award. 

Running Back Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame 

Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love made a strong statement in 2025 to be considered amongst this elite group of players. The Heisman Trophy is handed out to the 'most outstanding player in college football' and if you've watched the St. Louis native this season, he embodies the meaning of the award. Love finished the season with 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, averaged 6.9 yards per carry, had 280 receiving yards and added three receiving touchdowns as well. His season featured highlight reel runs, stellar plays in the pass game and he found the end zone in every game this season except the season opener. Love is a special talent, and one that will be playing on Sunday's in the very near future.  

Quarterback Julian Sayin, Ohio State 

Redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin is the youngest player amongst the group to be invited to New York. This year for the Buckeyes, he's led them to a 12-1 record and their first appearance in the Big Ten Championship game since 2020. The California native threw for 3,323 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, six interceptions, completed 78.4 percent of his passes and led Ohio State to an undefeated regular season. Along the way, they defeated Texas, Washington on the road ending their illustrious home winning streak, Illinois on the road, Penn State and ended the Buckeyes losing streak against Michigan. Sayin has the least highest odds to win this award, but I'd argue has some of the highest odds in the country to return to New York in 2026. 

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