Heisman Race Heats Up: 3 Dark Horses Poised to Surprise
Source: Heisman Watch: 3 players who can crash Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin's party before voting begins (2025-11-26)
The Heisman Trophy race is intensifying as the 2025 college football season nears its climax, with recent betting odds revealing a potential shake-up in the traditional favorites. While Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza remains the front-runner, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin continues to garner attention, three emerging contenders are making waves, suggesting the race could be more unpredictable than ever. The latest betting odds from BetMGM highlight four players with +600 or better chances, including two newcomers who were long shots just a week ago. Mendoza holds a slight edge at -105, but Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame (+375), along with other rising stars, are positioning themselves for a possible late-season surge. Notably, the Heisman race is now more competitive, with recent performances and injury recoveries fueling debates about who will make it to New York on December 13. In addition to Mendoza and Sayin, the race now features players like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, whose recent standout performance against Syracuse has significantly boosted his candidacy. Love’s 171 rushing yards and multiple touchdowns showcased his explosive ability, making him a serious contender. Other notable players include Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, who remains a long shot at 40-1, and emerging running backs and quarterbacks from powerhouse programs who are quietly climbing the odds ladder. The race’s unpredictability is further fueled by recent injuries, coaching changes, and standout performances in critical late-season games, all of which could influence the final voting outcome. Recent developments in the Heisman race include the rise of underdog candidates, driven by their performances in high-stakes games. For instance, Jeremiyah Love’s breakout game has not only elevated his profile but also shifted betting odds, reflecting increased confidence from bettors and analysts. Meanwhile, other players like Julian Sayin continue to perform consistently, maintaining their status as top contenders. The race’s dynamic nature is also influenced by the upcoming conference championships, which often serve as pivotal moments for Heisman hopefuls to cement their legacies. As the voting deadline approaches, experts are closely watching these key performances, injury reports, and coaching strategies that could tip the scales. The 2025 Heisman Trophy race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a mix of seasoned favorites and rising stars. The inclusion of new contenders like Jeremiyah Love and the ongoing performances of Mendoza and Sayin suggest that the final decision will be more contested than in previous years. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if these late-season pushes will culminate in a historic victory or if the favorites will maintain their dominance. The Heisman ceremony on December 13 promises to be a thrilling event, with debates likely to continue well beyond the announcement, as the college football season concludes with a flurry of championship games and postseason action. As the race tightens, one thing is clear: this year's Heisman race is far from over, and surprises could still be on the horizon.