Heisman Watch 2025 Examining Odds and Highlights for Finalists

Four of college football's best players head to New York for Saturday's Heisman Trophy ceremony.

Only one of them, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, has a strong chance to take home the award.

Mendoza separated himself from the pack in November and he's expected to be named the Heisman winner on Saturday. Mendoza is a -1000 (bet $1000 to win $100) favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia, Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin and Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love are the other three Heisman finalists.

Fernando Mendoza (-1000)

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Fernando Mendoza likely secured the Heisman with his performance in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Mendoza made a handful of key throws in the second half to secure Indiana's first Big Ten Championship Game victory.

Prior to the win over Ohio State, Mendoza's most memorable moment of the season was a game-winning touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. to beat the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Mendoza was a consistent force for the top-ranked team in the FBS and he should be rewarded for his play with Indiana's first Heisman.

Diego Pavia (+600)

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Diego Pavia finished his final collegiate season with 3,192 passing yards, 826 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns.

The Vanderbilt quarterback has a tremendous all-around resume, but he won't be in the playoff like Mendoza and Sayin.

Pavia made an impressive final push for the Heisman with 268 passing yards and 165 rushing yards in the rivalry win over the Tennessee Volunteers.

Pavia could receive some first-place votes, but he may fall short because Mendoza's journey to an undefeated season was very impressive.

Jeremiyah Love (+25000)

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Jeremiyah Love produced four 100-yard games in the last six Notre Dame contests.

Love's late Heisman push earned him an invite to New York, but he'll likely finish behind at least two quarterbacks.

Love secured a finalist spot with 171-yard, three-touchdown outing against the Syracuse Orange. He put up those numbers on just eight carries.

Love finished the campaign with 1,372 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns.

The next step for Love is a likely first-round selection in the 2026 NFL draft.

Julian Sayin (+40000)

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Julian Sayin had an opportunity to take over the Heisman race in the Big Ten Championship Game, but he fell short against Mendoza and Indiana.

Sayin threw for 258 yards in Indianapolis, but he didn't make the clutch throws to close out the game that Mendoza made.

Sayin still had a strong season for the Buckeyes with 3,323 passing yards and 31 touchdown passes.

One of Sayin's standout performances came against the Michigan Wolverines. He had three touchdown passes and 233 yards in the snowy environment.

Sayin and the Buckeyes can still achieve more in the postseason. They are the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff and could face Indiana in a rematch in the national championship.