The Heisman race could have another shake up this week with a couple of huge matchups on Saturday night.
1. Marcel Reed | Texas A&M QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 1
Reed holds onto the top spot coming off a bye, but this weekend will be a challenge this week against an Auburn team coming off a close road loss to Oklahoma—and one that could have them angry with a couple of questionable calls going against them.
Season stats:
58.6% | 869 PASS YDS | 9 PASS TD | 1 INT
25 CAR | 142 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 5.7 AVG
2. John Mateer | Oklahoma QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: 2
Mateer hasn’t put up the most prolific passing numbers this year, but he’s rushed for a touchdown in every game this season—including the game-winning nine-yard score late in the win over Auburn. There will be plenty of additional showcase opportunities coming up for Mateer, and he’ll remain at or towards the top of the Heisman race if the Sooners continue to win.
Season stats:
67.4% | 1,215 PASS YDS | 6 PASS TD | 3 INT
43 CAR | 190 RUSH YDS | 5 RUSH TD | 4.4 AVG
3. Thomas Castellanos | Florida State QB | Senior | Last week: 3
Castellanos again didn’t need to throw the ball around over the weekend with 13 pass attempts—but he rushed seven times for 54 yards and two touchdowns as the Seminoles cruised to a 66-10 victory over Kent State. The biggest game for Castellanos’ candidacy will come on October 4 when No. 2 Miami visits in a monster ACC clash.
Season stats:
71.1% | 594 PASS YDS | 3 PASS TD | 1 INT
27 CAR | 139 RUSH YDS | 3 RUSH TD | 5.1 AVG
4. Fernando Mendoza | Indiana QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: NR
Mendoza didn’t make the Heisman watch until now with big-time passing numbers coming against lesser competition—but he lit up then-No. 9 Illinois by going 21-of-23 for 267 yards and five touchdowns in a stunning 63-10 victory. The redshirt junior has now thrown for all 14 of his touchdowns over the past three weeks, and he’ll benefit from head coach Curt Cignetti being unafraid to keep his foot on the pedal offensively.
Season stats:
76.8% | 975 PASS YDS | 14 PASS TD | 0 INT
22 CAR | 76 RUSH YDS | 2 RUSH TD | 3.5 AVG
5. Carson Beck | Miami QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: 4 (-1)
Beck had a bit of trouble versus a Florida defense that played extremely hard on Saturday night (17-of-30 for 160 yards and one interception), but Miami got the win—and weather was a factor. The bye comes at an ideal time for Beck and the Hurricanes to prepare for Florida State in a couple of weeks, and that’s the only ranked opponent currently on the schedule the rest of the way.
Season stats:
73.2% | 972 PASS YDS | 7 PASS TD | 3 INT
10 CAR | 19 RUSH YDS | 1 TD | 1.9 AVG
Dropped out:
Arkansas QB Taylen Green