The Heisman Trophy race feels like watching two tightrope walkers and a sprinter all trying to cross the same finish line. One slip could decide everything, one stumble could rewrite ballots, or one surge could force voters to rethink what they thought they already knew.

Championship weekend is the final wire, and the margins are thin.

Remaining Heisman Trophy candidates

Fernando Mendoza , QB, Indiana +160

Mendoza ends the regular season in the same spot he has been in the last three weeks: in front. The Purdue game didn't redefine anything (80% completion rate, three touchdowns, no panic, no mistakes); it was protection of the résumé, and that's all that matters.

Mendoza will enter the Big Ten title game undefeated with the best single moment of the season and the cleanest narrative

See Full Page