The Week 7 matchup between Oregon and Indiana determined who would edge in the Big Ten standings and also who would stay in the Heisman Trophy rankings. It was Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza who led his team to a crucial win.
But still, Mendoza solidifying his spot as a top Heisman candidate behind frontrunners Miami QB Carson Beck and Alabama QB Ty Simpson.
The Heisman rankings get another debut this week as USC QB Jayden Maiava led his team to an upset victory against then-No. 15 Michigan — the Trojans first notable win before a key game vs. Notre Game this week.
Below, we'll take a look at the Heisman Watch frontrunners ahead of Week 8, breaking down the top five contenders to win the Heisman Trophy in 2025 and their projections on PrizePicks real money CFB game this week.
2025 Heisman Watch: Top Heisman Candidates, Week 8
Here are the top Heisman Trophy Watch candidates heading into Week 8 on Saturday, October 18. On PrizePicks, you can win real money by picking More or Less on the weekly stats from these Heisman candidates and more CFB players.
5. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith
Next game: @ Wisconsin – Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET
In the 34-16 Week 7 win over Illinois, Smith wasn't a track star, as he only had 42 receiving yards, but once again, he found the end zone. He has scored in every game this season, and his 7 receiving TDs are the second-most in the nation.
Smith will have games where he puts up big numbers, but even in games like the one against Illinois, he only needed to make a small impact with the touchdown to stay in Heisman contention. Even if Smith doesn't find himself in contention at the end of the year, it's looking more and more likely we'll see one Buckeye up near the top, with QB Julian Sayin also making his name more known.
Jeremiah Smith Projections vs. Wisconsin
Jeremiah Smith's projections are from the PrizePicks real money CFB game — pick players, predict More or Less on their stats, and win cash when you're right.
- 5.5 Receptions
- 83.5 Receiving Yards
- 33.5 Longest Reception
- 0.5 Rush+Receiving TDs (Goblin)
4. USC QB Jayden Maiava
Next game: @ No. 13 Notre Dame – Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
USC QB Jordan Maiava has recently had an incredible run. Over his previous three games, he’s averaging 287.6 yards with 7 TDs. He has helped his team stay in contention in the Big Ten.
If USC’s defense hadn’t given up 32 points to Illinois, the Trojans would be undefeated and ranked much higher than No. 20. What has moved him into the spotlight is his Week 7 performance against then-No. 15 Michigan, where he threw for 265 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT against a Wolverines’ defense that is 11th in defensive pass EPA (-0.207).
He has one of the more explosive arms in the country, as he’s the only quarterback averaging over ten yards per pass with a minimum of 120 completions. He’s also highly effective with the deep pass, boasting a 97.8 PFF passer grade on throws of 20 yards or more, which leads the nation.
The junior has another test in Week 8, as he and the Trojans head to South Bend to take on No. 13 Notre Dame. If Maiava can deliver another noteworthy performance in a hostile environment against a ranked team, he could pique the interest of voters.
Jayden Maiava Projections vs. Notre Dame
Jayden Maiava's projections are from the PrizePicks real money CFB game.
- 285.5 Passing Yards
- 290.5 Pass+Rush Yards
- 7.5 Longest Rush
- 7.5 Rushing Yards
- 43.5 Longest Completion
- 1.5 Pass TDs (Goblin)
- 0.5 INT (Goblin)
- 0.5 Rush+Rec TDs (Demon)
3. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza
Next game: vs. Michigan State – 3:30 p.m. ET
The matchup between Oregon and Indiana had a lot riding on it. The winning team would be in the forefront of the Big Ten race, but the winning quarterback got a boost in the Heisman competition.
It was Mendoza who was the better quarterback that day and helped No. 7 Indiana snap No. 3 Oregon’s 18-game home winning streak — and it's even more impressive that he did it in Eugene, Ore. After throwing what could have been a devastating pick-six in the fourth quarter, he came back on the next drive and threw what ended up being the game-winning TD pass.
The deeper metrics reveal his efficiency and the significant impact he has made. He’s coming into Week 8 fourth in passer success rate (59.1%), fifth in passer rating (183.4), and seventh in turnover-worthy play rate (1.6%).
The Hoosiers’ schedule becomes easier from here, as only one of their final six opponents has a winning record. Mendoza will need to post impressive numbers, and Indiana needs convincing wins for him to remain competitive in the Heisman contest, but it looks like the Hoosiers are on track to make a Big Ten championship appearance.
Fernando Mendoza Projections vs. Michigan State
Fernando Mendoza's projections are from the PrizePicks real money CFB game this week.
- 3.5 Passing TDs (Demon)
- 0.5 INT
- 0.5 Rush+RecTDs
- 270.5 Passing Yards
- 299.5 Pass+Rush Yards
- 26.5 Rushing Yards
2. Alabama QB Ty Simpson
Next game: vs. No. 11 Tennessee – 7:30 p.m. ET
As the Tide rolls, Ty Simpson’s stock goes with it. The first-year starter has been battle-tested, facing a top 16 opponents for three straight games. Simpson was spectacular in those games, averaging 272 yards and 8 total TDs for No. 6 Alabama. This guy is a true competitor; even after the Week 7 road win over then-No. 14 Missouri, Simpson’s teammates said he showed his fiery leadership style after Bama failed to put the game away earlier.
He’s been one of the top performers in the nation, ranking, seventh in expected points added per dropback (0.37), 14th in passing success rate, and the fourth-most passing TDs (16).
His upcoming schedule will show if he’s capable of hoisting the Heisman, in a tough SEC gauntlet. He faces ranked opponents in three of the next four games, and two of those are inside the top 20 in defensive pass EPA. If the Crimson Tide wins those games and Simpson delivers some great performances, he could become the favorite.
Ty Simpson Projections vs. Tennessee
Ty Simpson's projections are from the PrizePicks real money CFB game this week.
- 2.5 Passing TDs
- 0.5 INT
- 0.5 Rush+RecTDs
- 290.5 Passing Yards
- 43.5 Longest Completion
- 314.5 Pass+Rush Yards
- 11.5 Rushing Yards
- 10.5 Longest Rush
1. Miami QB Carson Beck
Next game: vs Louisville – Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Carson Beck and the Hurricanes were off last week, as they are now set to play the rest of their conference schedule. What has Miami ranked so high, and why is the former Georgia quarterback the leading Heisman candidate? It's because their schedule has been challenging from the beginning, as ESPN has it ranked the fourth-toughest strength of record.
The Hurricanes have already taken out their first opponent in the ACC with a Week 6 win over FSU. The Seminoles rank 25th in defensive pass EPA (0.124). This week, The U faces Louisville, which is 14th in defensive pass EPA (-0.169), and then does not face another opponent in the top 65.
This is an opportunity for Beck to put up magnificent stats, and if Miami dominates those games, he could continue to be the top candidate.
Carson Beck Projections vs. Louisville
Carson Beck's projections are from the PrizePicks real money CFB game — pick players, predict More or Less on their stats, and win cash when you're right.
- 1.5 Passing TDs (Goblin)
- 0.5 Rush+RecTDs (Demon)
- 241.5 Passing Yards
- 41.5 Longest Completion
- 20.5 Fantasy Score
- 28.5 Pass Attempts
Make Picks on Heisman Candidates on PrizePicks
After Week 7 of the 2025 college football season, Carson Beck remains atop the Heisman Trophy rankings as he gets ready to battle Louisville on Friday night. Fernando Mendoza’s performance against Oregon has Indiana as a playoff contender and, for himself, is setting up to be in New York City for the Heisman Trophy award ceremony.
No matter who you're backing to win the Heisman Trophy, you can cash in on your player picks in PrizePicks' real money CFB DFS game every week this season.
Just pick More or Less on weekly stat projections, including Jayden Maiava’s passing yards or Jeremiah Smith’s receiving yards, and get paid when your picks are correct — all the way up to 2000x.
Check out the Playbook for more CFB DFS picks and college football predictions throughout the season.
