Mario Cristobal Says Heisman Should Be Awarded After CFP, Current Timing is 'Bizarre'

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal expressed his belief that the Heisman Trophy should be presented after the College Football Playoff concludes.

"The only thing I'd wish about the Heisman Trophy is it was awarded when all the games are done," Cristobal said during a Wednesday appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast (h/t On3.com's Alex Byington). "That whole (giving out the) award before the postseason games are played is absolutely bizarre to me. Like I can't comprehend it and never will."

The Heisman Trophy is typically announced in December after conference championship games wrap up. The 2024 award ceremony took place on Dec. 14, with the first CFP game beginning on Dec. 20.

This year, the Heisman Trophy presentation will occur on Dec. 15 before the CFP kicks off on Dec. 19.

While the award has traditionally focused on regular-season performances, Cristobal believes that playoff results should affect the candidacy of players.

Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck is making an early Heisman case this season, completing 73.4 percent of his throws for 1,213 yards and 11 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions.

Miami is also in a strong position to compete for a top spot in the 2025-26 CFP bracket, opening the season with a 5-0 record and sitting at No. 2 in the latest AP Top 25 poll.