Unfortunate injury news for Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer and two risers following huge wins shake up the 2025 Heisman race.
1. Dante Moore | Oregon QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: NR
Moore has shot up to the best odds to win the Heisman Trophy, as he was excellent in the double-overtime win over Penn State by completing 29-of-39 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. The showcase opportunities will decrease after taking on No. 8 Indiana in a couple of weeks (coming off a bye), but Moore can be in clear pole position if the Ducks take care of business in that one.
Season stats:
74.6% | 1,210 PASS YDS | 14 PASS TD | 1 INT
24 CAR | 122 RUSH YDS | 5.1 AVG
2. Marcel Reed | Texas A&M QB | Sophomore (RS) | Last week: 1 (-1)
Reed had a quiet game in the win over Auburn on Saturday—as the conference foe limited him both as a passer (15-of-22 for 207 yards and one interception) and runner (seven carries for negative-23 yards). However, the interception came on a dropped screen pass, and Texas A&M still came away with a gritty win to begin SEC play. Reed could benefit from the difficult schedule over the next two months.
Season stats:
60.3% | 1,076 PASS YDS | 9 PASS TD | 2 INT
32 CAR | 119 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 3.7 AVG
3. Ty Simpson | Alabama QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: NR
Although he’s the only player here with a loss this season, Simpson’s play since the opener—completing 77.4% of his passes for 294.7 yards per game and a 9:0 touchdown-interception ratio—puts him firmly in contention after a month of action. Similar to Dante Moore (@ Penn State) and Marcell Reed (@ Notre Dame), Simpson snapping Georgia’s 33-game home winning streak is a major positive mark on the resume.
Season stats:
69.3% | 1,138 PASS YDS | 11 PASS TD | 0 INT
21 CAR | 57 RUSH YDS | 2 RUSH TD | 2.7 AVG
4. Fernando Mendoza | Indiana QB | Junior (RS) | Last week: 4
A low-scoring win over Iowa (20-15) and the first interception of the year for Mendoza causes him to stay put, but the passing numbers have been among the best in the nation. If he can outduel Dante Moore in a couple of weeks, Mendoza will likely have a case for the No. 1 spot.
Season stats:
73.0% | 1,208 PASS YDS | 16 PASS TD | 1 INT
30 CAR | 102 RUSH YDS | 2 RUSH TD | 3.4 AVG
5. Carson Beck | Miami QB | Senior (RS) | Last week: 5
Beck is coming off a bye, but it wasn’t the best week for his candidacy with Florida State losing to make this weekend’s matchup slightly less appealing in terms of the strength of the opponent. Also, Beck needs to increase the passing efficiency to match other top passers.
Season stats:
73.2% | 972 PASS YDS | 7 PASS TD | 3 INT
10 CAR | 19 RUSH YDS | 1 TD | 1.9 AVG
Dropped out:
Oklahoma QB John Mateer
Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos