2025-26 Heisman Trophy Futures: Sayin, Mendoza The Current Co-Favorites

The college football regular season heads into the final month, and the CFP Playoff National Championship futures continue to develop. But, there’s also a notable individual award that is up for grabs – the Heisman Trophy. Below, we’ll discuss the contenders below and provide Heisman Trophy picks. 

Odds provided by Sports Interaction.

2025-26 Heisman Trophy Odds

The current favorite to win it all has its QB as the favorite to win the Heisman, as Julian Sayin sits at +175 odds. But Indiana signal-caller Fernando Mendoza is also in the mix. All of the top contenders are quarterbacks, except for Buckeyes star wideout Jeremiah Smith.

Julian Sayin (+175)

No. 1 Ohio State moved to 9-0 on Saturday with a 34-10 victory over Purdue, and the reigning champions look the part of a team that could repeat as national champions. A massive part of their success is the play of Sayin, who has stepped in as the Buckeyes' signal-caller and completely thrived. The sophomore has completed 80% of his passes for 2,494 yards and 24 touchdowns against four interceptions. Saying has thrown for over 300 yards in three consecutive appearances as he continues to strengthen his Heisman case. He’s a deserving co-favorite alongside Mendoza.

Fernando Mendoza (+175)

Mendoza transferred to Indiana from Cal in the offseason, and it appears to be the best decision he could’ve made. The Miami, Florida native is in serious contention for the Heisman, and some believe he is the best quarterback in the country. After all, he’s currently the top-ranked signal-caller for the 2026 NFL draft. Mendoza has led the Hoosiers to a 10-0 record and a No. 2 ranking behind Ohio State. He’s thrown for 2,342 yards and 26 TDs against just five picks. Mendoza has also completed over 70% of his passes. Indiana is a national championship contender, and they will go as far as Mendoza takes them.

Ty Simpson (+550)

Unless Sayin and Mendoza both completely melt down over the next few weeks, it’s going to be hard for Ty Simpson to capture the Heisman. That’s exactly why his odds are at +550. But, he’s still having a very impressive campaign, and we know the pressure at Alabama, especially as QB1, is always immense. The Crimson Tide just improved to 8-1 on Saturday with a victory over rivals LSU, and Simpson threw for 277 yards and a touchdown. He’s been uber efficient, throwing a mere one interception against 21 TDs. The only real issue lately for Simpson is his number of fumbles, coughing up the football in four straight games.

Heisman Trophy Picks

Mendoza threw a dramatic game-winning touchdown in Week 11 against Penn State, and he’s truly playing fantastic football at the moment. While this race is close, I do believe the top NFL QB prospect will pull the Heisman out when it’s all said and done.

Pick: Fernando Mendoza +175 /Sports Interaction