Heisman Trophy ballots are due on Monday, with the finalists set to be announced the same day. Players have done everything they can on the field to prove they deserve the award. As the final ballots are cast, we present the final Heisman Trophy Power Rankings of 2025.
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### 1. Fernando Mendoza – Quarterback – Indiana
Fernando Mendoza may have wrapped up the award last Saturday in the Big Ten Championship. He is the runaway favorite at every sportsbook and will, without a doubt, be a finalist—and most likely the winner. Indiana’s coach, Curt Cignetti, called Mendoza’s Heisman win a “no-brainer.”
Mendoza was solid against Ohio State, throwing for 222 yards while completing 15 of 23 passes. He recorded one touchdown and one interception. Although he threw an early interception, Mendoza still posted an impressive 90.2 QBR for the game.
This junior quarterback has passed for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns this year. He threw only six interceptions all season and added six rushing touchdowns. Mendoza has been the favorite for much of the year and cemented his status with his performance on Saturday night.
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### 2. [Player Name Missing] – Quarterback – Vanderbilt
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Committee did not help this player’s case by leaving Vanderbilt out of the playoffs. Regardless, he had a strong season, passing for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns, with eight interceptions.
On the ground, he rushed for 826 yards and nine touchdowns. In the final three games, he threw for 1,129 yards and nine touchdowns, while also rushing for 325 yards and three touchdowns. Statistically, he and Mendoza are very similar, each delivering stellar seasons.
However, Mendoza’s undefeated season and conference title give him a clear edge in the race.
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### 3. Jacob Rodriguez – Linebacker – Texas Tech
The next two players on the list are likely finalists. It’s possible both will make it to New York, but if only one does, expect it to be Jacob Rodriguez.
Rodriguez has been phenomenal for Texas Tech this year. He leads the team with 114 tackles and has recorded one sack. Additionally, he has forced seven fumbles, recovered two, and snagged six interceptions.
In the Big 12 Championship game, Rodriguez notched 13 tackles. Texas Tech has even used him on offense, where he has scored two rushing touchdowns, totaling three touchdowns this season, including one on defense.
The biggest concern for Rodriguez’s candidacy is whether voters are willing to award a primarily defensive player—something historically difficult in Heisman voting.
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### 4. Jeremiyah Love – Running Back – Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love also had a strong case to be a Heisman finalist. He rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns this season, adding three more scores receiving.
Love has had a fantastic season, breaking school records and consistently playing at a high level. He is expected to gather votes, especially from Notre Dame supporters.
However, there are some knocks against his candidacy: Love did not play this past weekend, unlike Mendoza and Rodriguez. Notre Dame has faced criticism for opting out of a bowl game after missing the CFP, which may sway some voters.
Finally, past Heisman-winning running backs often had near or above 2,000 yards from scrimmage—Love falls short of this benchmark. While he could be a finalist, he is unlikely to win the award.
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### 5. Julian Sayin – Quarterback – Ohio State
Julian Sayin had long been a top contender for the award and may still be a finalist if ballots were submitted before the Big Ten Championship Game. However, his status may be in jeopardy due to his performance in the title game.
Sayin finished the season with 3,323 passing yards and 31 touchdowns, tossing just six interceptions. He ranked second nationally in QBR and had protected his pocket well, having been sacked only six times entering the championship.
In the game against Indiana, though, Sayin was sacked five times and threw just one touchdown pass with an interception that led to points. Despite a stellar season overall, this poor performance in a key moment may have cost him Heisman chances.
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### 6. Gunner Stockton – Quarterback – Georgia
Gunner Stockton has quietly kept his name in the Heisman conversation. He passed for 2,691 yards and 23 touchdowns this year, although with some inconsistency.
For example, he managed only 70 yards along with a touchdown and interception against Georgia Tech. However, Stockton has delivered some of his best performances in crucial games.
Against Ole Miss, he posted a 96.9 QBR with 289 yards and four touchdowns. In the victory over Texas, he threw four touchdowns while rushing for 22 yards. In the SEC Championship, he threw for 156 yards and three touchdowns with an additional 39 rushing yards.
Stockton consistently performs when it counts most. While it may not be enough to win the award, he should garner some Heisman votes.
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### 7. Jeremiah Smith – Wide Receiver – Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith is unlikely to win the Heisman, but he will receive some votes this year. Smith caught 80 passes for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns during the season.
He had a standout game in the Big Ten Championship with eight receptions for 144 yards. Smith made headlines last year as a true freshman, generating early Heisman buzz.
While he has maintained solid production this year, he has not delivered the breakout performance necessary to secure a finalist spot.
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As ballots are finalized and votes cast, these rankings highlight the top candidates vying for college football’s most prestigious individual honor in 2025. Stay tuned for the official finalist announcement on Monday.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/clutchpoints-2025-final-college-football-heisman-trophy-power-rankings
