Nov 8, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) hands the ball off to Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

In mid-November, the Heisman Trophy race has crystallized around a handful of standout players, but it still remains far from decided as the 2025 college football season marches on. Each contender has crafted a unique narrative, each their own, pairing eye-popping individual stats with team success to stay in the hunt for the trophy.

Each week's breakout star can be overtaken just as fast, as new statement games and defining "Heisman moments' rewrite the race in real time. The voters' emphasis on winning means even minor stumbles can derail a frontrunner.

From prolific passers on playoff-bound squads to record-breaking playmakers carrying underdog teams, these five players define the race entering the season's final stretch.

1. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

The sophomore Buckeyes signal-caller has been the picture of efficiency for the nation's No. 1 team. Sayin is completing an astonishing ~81% of his passes this season and leads the country in passer rating and QBR. He has thrown for 300+ yards in three straight games and has 24 touchdown passes on the year, spreading the ball to a constellation of playmakers. Most importantly, Sayin has steered Ohio State to a 9-0 record while rarely making mistakes. His ability to command a high-powered offense with record-setting accuracy, as a first-year starter, has made him the clear Heisman frontrunner If the Buckeyes run the table, it will be hard to bet against Sayin's combination of gaudy stats and unbeaten team record.

2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Right on Sayin's heels is the junior quarterback leading Indiana's stunning rise. Mendoz has been the catalyst for the 10-0 Hoosier team, pacing the nation with 31 total touchdowns accounted for, 26 passing and five rushing. In Week 11, he delivered his "Heisman moment," orchestrating a last-minute, game-winning touchdown drive against Penn State to keep Indiana undefeated. On the season, Mendoza is tied for the FBS lead in touchdown passes and boasts a 178.5 passer rating. Beyond the numbers, the narrative is on his side, as he has taken a traditionally middle-tier program to the nation's No. 2 ranking, showing poise in numerous close calls. If Indiana finishes the year with a perfect record, Mendoza's blend of production ad clutch leadership gives him as good a case as anyone for the Heisman.

3. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

After a rocky start for the Tide, Simpson had quarterbacked a resurgence in Tuscaloosa. The junior has been remarkably steady and efficient, tallying 21 total touchdowns with just one interception through 11 weeks. Simpson's stats are impressive, but just as important is his impact on team success. Since an early loss in Week 1, he has led No. 4 Alabama on an eight-game winning streak. He has shined on big stages, from a three-touchdown performance in a rout of Georgia to 277 yards in a Week 11 win over LSU, demonstrating calm and command in high-pressure SEC battles. With the Tide back in the hunt for a national title, Simpson's case rests on his clean play and leadership skills. If Alabama claims the SEC title, expect Simpson to be firmly int he Heisman conversation as an example of consistency driving a top team.

4. Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M

Reed may not have the eye-popping passing stats of others on this list, but he is the dual-threat engine of an undefeated SEC contender. The sophomore Aggies quarterback has thrown for 2,193 yards and 19 touchdowns. In Week 11, Reed helped No. 3 Texas A&M notch another ranked win, 38-17 over Missouri, with 250 total yards and two touchdowns. His ability to make plays with both arm and legs has been crucial in the Aggies' 9-0 start. Reed's narrative momentum comes from elevating Texas A&M into the playoff picture. He has guided them to consecutive road wins over Top-25 opponents, showing maturity and poise beyond his years. With the toughest tests still ahead, Redd has the chance to bolster his resume. For now, is role in keeping Texas A&M undefeated makes him a bona fide Heisman candidate.

5. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

It's hard for a running back to crack the Heisman elite in today's quarterback-saturated era, but Love has forced his way into the conversation. The Notre Dame junior has been nothing short of spectacular, scoring in eight straight games, piling up 16 total touchdowns, tying him for the national lead. Love has 1,242 yards from scrimmage through Week 11, averaging 138.0 yards per game, third-best in the FBS. Beyond the states, Love provides the "wow" plays that Heisman voters take notice of. Perfect example came this past weekend with a 48-yard touchdown run that he opened up against Navy that had fans buzzing. As the focal point of the No. 9 Irish offense, Love's consistent production has kept Notre Dame in the playoff hunt. If he continues to carry the Irish toward a potential playoff berth, Love could earn an invitation to New York as a rare non-quarterback finalist. In an award race usually dominated by quarterbacks Love's blend of workload, highlight moments, and impact on a one-loss Notre Dame squad gives him a fighting chance to crack the top tier.

Each of these five contenders has built a strong case through eleven weeks, combining impressive stats with team success and signature moments. The final weeks of the season, filled with rivalry games, championship berths, and playoff spots on the line, will provide the ultimate platform for these Heisman hopefuls to either cement their legacies or leave the door open for a late challenger. One thing is for sure: the race for college football's most prestigious award is getting its stretch run with plenty of drama still left to come.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Heisman candidates after Week 11: 5 players currently leading the race

Reporting by Lauren Beasley, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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