The top two favorites were off last week, and the top five overall of the Heisman race remains the same as we hit November.
1. Marcel Reed | Texas A&M QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 1
The last time we saw Marcel Reed, he ended Brian Kelly’s time at LSU, and next he returns to action this Saturday afternoon—on the road again—for another ranked matchup with Missouri. Not to look too far ahead, but the end of the month versus Texas is looking like even more of a big game for Reed’s candidacy after the Longhorns just beat Vanderbilt.
Season stats:
61.4% | 1,972 PASS YDS | 17 PASS TD | 6 INT
64 CAR | 349 RUSH YDS | 6 RUSH TD | 5.5 AVG
2. Ty Simpson | Alabama QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: 2
Similarly, Simpson—who also had a bye last week—might be helped by Oklahoma just defeating Tennessee to make the matchup (this one coming a week from Saturday) more of a Heisman showcase opportunity. First, Simpson must perform against a talented LSU squad looking to show they’re better without their former head coach.
Season stats:
67.8% | 2,184 PASS YDS | 20 PASS TD | 1 INT
51 CAR | 79 RUSH YDS | 2 RUSH TD | 1.5 AVG
3. Fernando Mendoza | Indiana QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: 3
An early interception was part of a rockier game than usual for Mendoza, but the Hoosiers ultimately had their typical blowout performance—and the star quarterback did add a touchdown both through the air and on the ground. Plus, he saw his brother Alberto get in the game and throw a touchdown at Maryland.
Season stats:
72.3% | 1,923 PASS YDS | 25 PASS TD | 4 INT
50 CAR | 220 RUSH YDS | 4 RUSH TD | 4.4 AVG
4. Jeremiah Smith | Ohio State WR | Sophomore | Last week: 4
Smith finished just behind teammate Carnell Tate in terms of yardage (123 and 124, respectively), but he had one more reception (six) and touchdown (two) as Ohio State pulled away in a home win over Penn State. Smith had yet another incredible play on a one-handed touchdown grab for the Buckeyes.
Season stats:
55 REC | 725 REC YDS | 9 REC TD | 13.2 AVG
2 CAR | 20 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 10.0 AVG
5. Gunner Stockton | Georgia QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: 5
Georgia has cut it close this year, but Gunner Stockton’s steady hand is helping them ultimately win games—the latest coming in a tough place to play at “The Swamp.” Stockton is leading a top-five team with two ranked matchups currently left on the regular seasons schedule.
Season stats:
70.3% | 1,776 PASS YDS | 12 PASS TD | 2 INT
71 CAR | 290 RUSH YDS | 7 TD | 4.1 AVG