BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The race for the Heisman Trophy is heating up as the college football regular season nears its final stretch. Last week proved that anything can happen, shaking up the odds for several contenders.

Just a week ago, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck was a favorite. But after throwing four interceptions and no touchdowns in a loss to Louisville, his stock has plummeted. Still, the quarterback race remains wide open.

Heisman Trophy Candidates

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Mendoza has emerged as the current front-runner after another stellar performance in Indiana’s win over Michigan State. The Hoosiers remain undefeated at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the Big Ten, with Mendoza leading the charge.

In Week 8, he threw for 332 yards and four touchdowns. As long as Indiana keeps winning and Mendoza maintains these numbers, he’ll remain at the top of the Heisman leaderboard—and may begin to pull away.

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Alabama is riding high after a 37-20 win over No. 17 Tennessee, which boosted the Crimson Tide into the top four of the AP Poll. Simpson played a key role, throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns.

Since an early-season loss, Alabama has won out, and Simpson has climbed into the Heisman conversation. He enters Week 9 with 18 touchdowns and just one interception.

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Sayin continues to lead top-ranked Ohio State through an unbeaten season. The Buckeyes have held the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll for eight straight weeks.

From their season-opening win over Texas, Ohio State has looked dominant. While Sayin wasn’t an early favorite, he’s quickly climbed into the mix. So far, he’s totaled 1,872 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt has turned heads this season, thanks in large part to Pavia. After a statement win over No. 10 LSU, the Commodores are on the rise. Their only loss came against Alabama, making last week’s victory even more significant.

Pavia has thrown for 1,569 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. He even struck the Heisman pose last week, and the energy around Vanderbilt is building.

Close in the Race

Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M

Reed delivered a strong showing in a 45-42 win over Arkansas, finishing with 280 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and one rushing score. The Aggies, now No. 3 in the AP Poll, have also notched a key win over Notre Dame.

If Reed can continue to produce big performances, he’ll move firmly into the Heisman discussion alongside the other top quarterbacks.