B/R's 2025 Heisman Trophy Rankings after Week 6
In the biggest games on the Week 6 schedule, a pair of Heisman Trophy contenders made two of the loudest statements.
That's how you win a coveted award, my friends.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson guided the Crimson Tide to a Top 25 victory over Vanderbilt, and Miami signal-caller Carson Beck propelled the Hurricanes past rival Florida State. That doesn't lock in their candidacy—the season is just now reaching the halfway mark—but it sure bolsters their resumes today.
Otherwise, it was a straightforward week in the Heisman world, setting up a busy weekend with a few massive games for key hopefuls.
The tiers are subjective yet based on historical voting trends, such as individual production and team success.
Tier 4: They're in the Neighborhood
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Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Quietly in the conversation is Sam Leavitt, who has responded well since Arizona State's surprising Week 2 loss at Mississippi State. The dual-threat QB has thrown and rushed for at least one touchdown in three straight weeks, also leading the Sun Devils to important Big 12 wins against Baylor and TCU. Out of an idle weekend, the pressure keeps rising with a trip to Utah.
Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia
Through five games, Gunner Stockton has thrown for 1,047 yards, rushed for 194 and totaled 11 touchdowns. He's riding the line between very solid and next-level good on a 4-1 UGA team. His clutch performance in the victory at Tennessee is propping up a resume that would benefit from a second big game. Georgia heads to rival Auburn this weekend.
Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech
Following a scare at Wake Forest, Haynes King and the Yellow Jackets had an off weekend. They return to the field on Saturday and host Virginia Tech, which has played much better in recent weeks but is still vulnerable on defense.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame has continued to showcase Jeremiyah Love's versatility. While sharing snaps with Jadarian Price—a terrific complement, for the record—he has scampered for 444 yards at 5.4 per carry, caught 14 passes for 160 yards and found the end zone a combined nine times.
Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt
Two interceptions from Diego Pavia crushed the Commodores' hopes of an upset at Alabama, and that setback has stung his candidacy. But with LSU and Missouri coming to 5-1 Vandy after an open weekend, he remains on the radar.
Tier 3: They Have Our Attention
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CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
Even in the early losses to Miami and Texas A&M, CJ Carr had decent showings. Since then, he's been awesome. The first-year starter has steadied the Fighting Irish, who just defeated Boise State 28-7 behind a pair of touchdowns from Carr. He's thrown for 1,280 yards and 11 scores with two picks so far.
Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
The only thing missing on Julian Sayin's resume is a truly marquee performance. In the opening win against Texas, he only passed for 126 yards. However, the Buckeyes have watched Sayin flourish recently, including a 23-of-27 evening with 326 yards and three scores at Minnesota in Week 6. He has an opportunity for that headline game as OSU travels to No. 17 Illinois this Saturday.
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M
Texas A&M started slowly but ultimately rolled to a 31-9 win over Mississippi State, which limited Marcel Reed to a season-low 180 passing yards. Nevertheless, he accounted for three touchdowns as the Aggies improved to 5-0. They're set to host a feisty Florida defense in Week 7.
Tier 2: Top Challengers
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Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Reputation is certainly giving a boost to Jeremiah Smith, whose production is more notable than overwhelmingly great. He's made 35 receptions for 463 yards and six touchdowns, all of which are top-15 marks nationally. Smith, like Sayin, needs a big performance in a trip to Illinois to rise in this conversation.
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin is facing an enviable, challenging decision: As soon as Austin Simmons is healthy, how could he bench Trinidad Chambliss? He's been a dynamic replacement for the injured Simmons, notching 385-plus offensive yards in all three starts. Ole Miss, which was idle in Week 6, hosts Washington State on Saturday. We're simply waiting to see if Simmons will be available and how Kiffin proceeds.
Joey Aguilar, QB, Tennessee
After an open weekend, Joey Aguilar and Tennessee are entering a critical four-game stretch. Arkansas comes to town in Week 7, then UT travels to Alabama and Kentucky before hosting Oklahoma. Are the Vols a true SEC contender? Do they have a Heisman-level QB? We're about to find out.
Tier 1: The Front-Runners
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Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Alabama's loss to Florida State may as well be a year ago. Thanks to Ty Simpson, the Crimson Tide are ascending rapidly. He just threw for 340 yards and two scores against Vanderbilt, lifting his season totals to 1,478 yards and 13 touchdowns. Bama's gauntlet rolls on with a trip to Missouri this weekend.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Not intending to be overdramatic, but Fernando Mendoza is preparing for the most important game of the season. Indiana is set to face third-ranked Oregon in a critical Big Ten showdown between undefeated teams. He must be ready for an Oregon defense that has yielded just 5.2 yards per pass attempt.
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
The hype around the 'Canes is only growing after an impressive win at Florida State. Carson Beck tossed four touchdowns in the 28-22 victory, and Miami enters its final open weekend of the regular season with a well-earned 5-0 record. His next appearance will be a Friday night home matchup with Louisville in Week 8.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The stakes didn't feel quite as high for Dante Moore and Oregon this weekend until Penn State imploded at UCLA. Now, this clash with Indiana might be the Ducks' best possible win on their resume. Like Mendoza, Moore needs to deal with an elite secondary. Indiana has ceded 5.3 yards per attempt with one touchdown allowed and seven interceptions so far.
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