Fernando Mendoza Emerges as Heisman Trophy Favorite

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the college football season heads into its final stretch, Indiana‘s quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the new favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. After a standout performance in Week 12, Mendoza firmly positioned himself at -115 odds, signaling a roughly 53% chance of capturing the prestigious award.

Mendoza’s impressive game against Wisconsin, where he completed 22 of 24 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns, helped elevate his status in the ongoing Heisman race. Despite Wisconsin’s struggles this season, Mendoza’s performance was marked as pivotal in a tightly contested race.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who was previously tied with Mendoza in the odds, now holds second place at +225. Sayin’s recent performance was less impactful, as he led the Buckeyes to a dominant 48-10 victory over UCLA but did not have to play a pivotal role in the contest.

Voter sentiment plays a crucial role, especially with nearly 900 individuals casting ballots. Critics argue that while Mendoza has defined the emotional backdrop of the season with his high-stakes performances, Sayin’s steady play has not resonated as strongly. Voters often remember moments that define a season, and Mendoza’s late-game heroics against Penn State stand out significantly.

Marcel Reed of Texas A&M, who was also in the running, saw his odds improve after an electrifying comeback in Week 12 against South Carolina. Reed’s ability to turn around a challenging game helped grow his narrative as a contender, moving him to +500 in the odds.

As the season winds down, Mendoza will be on bye while Sayin faces Rutgers in a matchup that may not significantly impact the Heisman narrative. However, the ramifications of the upcoming Big Ten Championship Game remain high, as it could feasibly decide the Heisman winner.

The final week of regular-season games, particularly the matchups of Sayin against Michigan and Reed against Texas, could sway voter opinions and ultimately influence the award’s outcome. Mendoza’s standout season provides him a strong foundation, but as we enter the final stretch, anything can happen in the race for college football’s most coveted trophy.