Heisman Trophy Race Shifts Dramatically After Mateer’s Injury

Norman, Oklahoma — The landscape of the Heisman Trophy race has changed as Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is sidelined indefinitely due to a hand injury. This news broke on September 25, 2025, just as the college football season entered its fifth week.

Mateer, once a front-runner for the award, had been leading the SEC in completions and passing yardage. He had guided the Sooners to significant wins over top teams through the first four games. However, his injury poses a major setback for both Mateer and the Sooners, who are pursuing an SEC title.

Before the announcement, Mateer held the second-best odds for the Heisman. With his absence, other contenders are now rising in the ranks. Indiana‘s Fernando Mendoza has taken advantage of the situation, delivering stellar performances, including a 63-point blowout win over Illinois and five touchdown passes in that game.

Mendoza has quickly climbed to the top of the Heisman discussions, becoming the national leader in touchdowns with 14, all of which were thrown in the last three games. His rise reflects the constantly changing dynamics of the award race.

Meanwhile, Jayden Maiava of USC has also emerged as a key contender. He leads the nation in passer efficiency and has showcased his skills under Lincoln Riley’s offense, contributing significantly to his team’s success.

In addition to Mendoza and Maiava, TCU‘s Josh Hoover has entered the conversation after impressive performances, leaving many analysts eager to see how the Heisman race unfolds.

The fallout from Mateer’s injury resonates with previous seasons where injuries have derailed Heisman hopefuls like Utah‘s Devon Dampier, whose performance dipped following an earlier injury. The impact of these injuries on players’ legacies is undeniable.

As the season progresses, attention now focuses on Week 5 matchups where Heisman contenders face off against each other. With so much at stake, the outcome of these games could make or break their campaigns.

Ultimately, the evolving Heisman race illustrates the unpredictability of college football, with each game serving as a potential turning point for hopeful candidates.