As the college football season enters its final stretch, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has established himself as the clear frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. Leading the nation’s No. 1 team, Sayin is completing passes at a historic rate. His 80.7% completion percentage currently puts him on pace to set a new NCAA record, and he also leads college football in passer rating and adjusted yards per attempt.
Sayin’s performance solidifies his status as the engine of a potent Ohio State offense, rather than merely a beneficiary of its surrounding talent. A former five-star recruit, his poise and consistent improvement have become evident since his first career start against a formidable Texas defense in the season opener.
He leads a top tier of four quarterbacks in the Heisman race, which also includes Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Marcel Reed. According to FanDuel, all four candidates currently have odds of +650 or better to win the award.
While Sayin’s stock rises, the campaigns for Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt and Haynes King of Georgia Tech have faded. Despite impressive individual statistics last week—Pavia threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns against Texas, while King amassed over 500 total yards and four scores—both of their teams suffered losses. For players at programs not consistently in the College Football Playoff picture, team success is paramount to a Heisman bid, and losses often overshadow personal achievements.
This weekend, the national spotlight will be on Marcel Reed as No. 3 Texas A&M travels to face No. 22 Missouri. In one of only two matchups between ranked teams, Reed has a significant opportunity to make a statement on a national stage and potentially surge to the front of the race with a strong performance.
A potential longshot candidate is Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (+5500), who was a Heisman frontrunner earlier in the season. With a challenging remaining schedule, Moore has multiple opportunities for high-profile wins. If he can return to his early-season form and lead the No. 9 Ducks on a winning streak, he could re-enter the Heisman conversation by December.
Key Heisman Matchups in Week 11
Marcel Reed at Missouri: Reed faces his third consecutive top-25 opponent on the road. His Heisman hopes may depend on how the Texas A&M offensive line handles Missouri’s formidable defensive front.
Fernando Mendoza at Penn State: This matchup against a defense stocked with NFL-level talent represents the last major test for Mendoza before a potential Big Ten Championship Game.
Ty Simpson vs. LSU: Simpson faces a talented LSU defense in an opportunity to secure a key victory over a big-brand opponent.
Dante Moore at Iowa: Moore’s challenging stretch run begins with a road game against No. 20 Iowa. Seeking a bounce-back performance after an early exit in his last game, he will be tested by one of the toughest defenses in the country.
