2025 Heisman Watch Update, Week 14: Fernando Mendoza Still on Top

It’s the final weekend of the college football regular season. With how the year has shaped up, it looks like the Heisman Trophy race may be down to three men heading into Week 14.

The competition remains tight, and although Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is the current leader for the second straight week, he hasn't secured the Heisman yet. If the current standings stay after this week, each of these players will compete in their respective conference championships.

Below, we'll take a look at the Heisman Trophy frontrunners ahead of Week 14, breaking down our top three contenders to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy and their stat projections on PrizePicks' real-money CFB game for this week.

2025 Heisman Watch Update, Week 14

Here are our top Heisman Trophy Watch candidates heading into Week 14.

On PrizePicks, you can win real money by picking More or Less on weekly stats from these Heisman candidates and other CFB players — including pass yards, TDs, and much more.

3. Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed

Next game: @ No. 16 Texas – Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET

Marcel Reed had momentum entering Week 13, as he previously led a historic comeback by overcoming a 30-3 halftime deficit against South Carolina to win 31-30, marking the biggest come-from-behind victory in school history. In that game, he put up phenomenal numbers, including 439 passing yards and 3 TDs. 

This past week was a drop-off in competition, facing the 1-11 FCS program Samford, and Texas A&M easily won 49-0. Reed performed well in some areas with 3 passing TDs, all in the first quarter, and achieved his season-high of a 199.9 passer rating. However, he only threw for 120 yards, his lowest ever as a starter, and posted a 65.5 QB rating, his lowest mark of the season.

To Reed's credit, the game script became unfavorable early on, with the Aggies taking a large lead. As a result, he sat out the second half.

Marcel Reed’s Path to the Heisman Trophy

Reed could have his best argument to win the Heisman if he wins the SEC Championship. In Week 14, the Aggies face No. 16 Texas, and the Longhorns know if they can take down the top team in the conference, they might make it into the College Football Playoff. This could be a challenge for Reed. 

If the Aggies win against Texas, they're in the conference championship. A win there, and he’s done all he can to put together a solid resume for the Heisman.

2. Ohio State QB Julian Sayin

Next game: @ No. 15 Michigan – Saturday, 12 p.m. ET

Talking about Ohio State dominating its opponent is becoming a broken record. It’s the truth, however, as they crushed Rutgers in Week 13 by a score of 42-9. This gives the Buckeyes seven straight wins by 20+ points and their fifth overall by 30+. 

This was the second consecutive game Julian Sayin did not put up big numbers. He did break his two-game streak of throwing 1 passing TD and threw for under 200 yards for the fourth time this year (and the second straight matchup). The reason for his recent regression could be that WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate have missed the last two games with injuries. The good news is they could return for Week 14’s huge matchup against Michigan.

The most notable point from the game against Rutgers is that Sayin posted a completion rate under 70% for the first time since Week 1 against Texas. Sayin’s completion rate had been over 80% for the past few weeks. Following the game against Rutgers, it dropped to (a still-nation-leading) 79.4%.

This would break Bo Nix’s single-season record of 77.4%, but the optics of finishing at 80% could look better for a Heisman campaign.

Julian Sayin’s Path to the Heisman Trophy

The question is whether Sayin and the Buckeyes will be ready for their biggest game of the season. It’s a massive test as they go to the Big House to face No. 15 Michigan. The Wolverines have won this game four consecutive years, so if Sayin can end that streak, he could be the Heisman favorite going into the Big Ten Championship. 

Sayin will likely need to win that game. His argument could look better if it were against Mendoza and Indiana, because that could secure the top seed in the College Football Playoff and influence the Heisman race.

1. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza

Next game: vs. Purdue – Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET

With Sayin and Reed not having the biggest impact in their wins in Week 13, this leaves Fernando Mendoza as the favorite to win the Heisman for the second consecutive week. The transfer from Cal has had a significant impact on this program, as they control their own path to the Big Ten Championship.

Mendoza's been the leader of the offense and one of the best passers in the country. His 30 passing TDs lead the FBS, and his 184.8 passer rating is second. He’s also able to perform under pressure — according to Pro Football Focus, his 8.5 yards per attempt and 8 passing TDs under pressure are each second in the country.

The ability to remain calm when pass rushers attack may assist Mendoza when facing top teams on the road to the National Championship.

Fernando Mendoza’s Path to the Heisman Trophy

The Hoosiers play 2-9 Purdue in their regular-season finale. As long as Indiana doesn’t suffer a huge upset, it will play in the Big Ten Championship. A conference title might just secure the Heisman, regardless of whether it’s against Ohio State or not.

Entering Week 14, Fernando Mendoza remains your top contender for the Heisman Trophy. However, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed are on his heels.

No matter who you're backing to win the Heisman, you can cash in on your player picks in PrizePicks' real-money college football game every week this season.

Just pick More or Less on weekly stat projections and win if your picks are correct.

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