As the college football season edges closer to the conclusion, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has surged ahead in the Heisman Trophy race. After a commanding 31-7 victory over Wisconsin in Week 12, Mendoza has established himself as the frontrunner for this prestigious award.
Fernando Mendoza Emerges as Heisman Favorite
Mendoza’s performance against Wisconsin was nothing short of remarkable. He completed 22 of 24 passes for a total of 299 yards, throwing four touchdowns. With this victory, Mendoza has helped the Indiana Hoosiers maintain their perfect record of 11-0 for the season.
Statistical Highlights
Despite not playing extensively in the fourth quarter of many games, Mendoza ranks prominently among quarterbacks nationally. His achievements include:
- Passing: 203 completions out of 278 attempts (73%)
- Total passing yards: 2,641
- Total touchdowns: 30, leading all FBS quarterbacks
- Rushing: 62 carries for 216 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns
His Heisman highlight moment came during a thrilling game against Penn State on November 8, where he led a game-winning drive, featuring an incredible catch by wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
Other Contenders in the Heisman Race
While Mendoza stands out, several other players are also in contention. Alabama’s Ty Simpson, previously a strong candidate, has seen his stock plummet after a disappointing performance in a narrow loss to Oklahoma. Simpson threw for 326 yards with one touchdown and an interception, dropping his odds from +550 to +15000.
Jacob Rodriguez’s Late Surge
Another player making headlines is Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. He has entered the top 10 of betting odds with a strong performance that included a rushing touchdown against UCF. His impressive stats include:
- 100 tackles
- 9.5 tackles for loss
- 4 interceptions
- 2 fumble recoveries
- FBS-leading 7 forced fumbles
Current Heisman Trophy Odds
As of November 19, here are the latest betting odds for the leading Heisman Trophy candidates according to BetMGM:
| Player | Position | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | -115 |
| Julian Sayin | QB | Ohio State | +225 |
| Marcel Reed | QB | Texas A&M | +500 |
| Diego Pavia | QB | Vanderbilt | +1600 |
| Gunner Stockton | QB | Georgia | +2500 |
| Haynes King | QB | Georgia Tech | +3500 |
| Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame | +4000 |
| Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State | +6600 |
| Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech | +12500 |
| Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama | +15000 |
With the season nearing its climax, Mendoza’s path to the Heisman Trophy appears promising, though he faces challenges ahead.
