Heisman Trophy Odds: Fernando Mendoza Reclaims Lead, Ty Simpson in Close Pursuit After Week 9
The Heisman Trophy race is starting to hone in on a couple of star quarterbacks. They've shifted up and down throughout the season, with Fernando Mendoza reclaiming a slight advantage over Ty Simpson of Alabama. Peter Alexis breaks down the latest Heisman Trophy odds after Week 9.
Peter Alexis - October 27, 2025, 5:30 AM EDT
5 Minute ReadHeisman Trophy Odds: Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson Lead Heisman Race Ahead of Week 10
The Heisman Trophy race continues to heat up as the college football season nears its final stretch, with several new names climbing toward the top of the odds board. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has officially taken the spotlight after a string of dominant performances, soaring from +600 to +325 to become the current favorite. His blend of explosive offense and consistent production has the Hoosiers sitting undefeated and ranked second in the nation, and with a soft remaining schedule, Mendoza has a legitimate chance to run away with the award.
Right behind him is Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who has kept the Crimson Tide in the national championship conversation with his poise and late-game heroics. Simpson’s odds have barely moved from +380 to +360, but his performances continue to impress voters as he leads Alabama through the toughest stretch of its schedule. A slate that includes LSU, Oklahoma, and Auburn in the coming weeks will give Simpson a massive stage to strengthen his case, especially if the Tide stay in playoff contention.
Further down the list, Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed remains a viable dark horse at +600, while Ohio State’s freshman phenom Julian Sayin (+400) and Vanderbilt’s surprising Diego Pavia (+850) round out the top five. Each has a unique path to staying in the race, though Mendoza and Simpson have separated themselves as the clear front-runners as the calendar flips toward November.
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Heisman Trophy Odds
Heisman Trophy Odds Breakdown
Fernando Mendoza (+340) Click here to bet on Fernando Mendoza at FanDuel
Fernando Mendoza’s meteoric rise has been the story of the season. The Indiana quarterback has accounted for 500 total yards and seven touchdowns across the last two games, powering the Hoosiers to wins over Michigan State and UCLA. At +325, he now leads the Heisman race thanks to his balance of efficiency and explosiveness. Indiana’s upcoming schedule, which features unranked opponents the rest of the way, could allow Mendoza to stack more big numbers without facing elite defenses. If he keeps producing at this level, he may secure the award before championship weekend.
Ty Simpson (+360) Click here to bet on Ty Simpson at FanDuel
Ty Simpson remains right on his heels at +360, leading Alabama’s resurgence with steady improvement and clutch performances. The Tide came from behind to beat South Carolina on the road, showing Simpson’s growing command of the offense. With Alabama off this week before facing LSU, Oklahoma, and Auburn, Simpson’s path is both challenging and opportunistic. Strong outings in those matchups could vault him into the favorite position, especially if the Tide climb back into the top four nationally.
Julian Sayin (+400) Click here to bet on Julian Sayin at FanDuel
Julian Sayin sits at +400, still within striking distance despite modest numbers compared to the other contenders. The Ohio State freshman has kept the Buckeyes undefeated, leaning on his efficiency and game management more than gaudy stats. His maturity and leadership have stood out for such a young player, and with one of the best defenses in the nation supporting him, Sayin’s role as a steady, mistake-free quarterback could keep him in the mix late into the season.
Marcel Reed (+600) Click here to bet on Marcel Reed at FanDuel
Marcel Reed has kept Texas A&M perfect at 8-0, making him a legitimate contender at +600. The Aggies’ offense leans heavily on their run game, so Reed’s numbers—17 touchdowns and a handful of interceptions—don’t pop off the page. Still, if Texas A&M survives upcoming games against Missouri and Texas and stays undefeated in the SEC, Reed will have one of the strongest cases of anyone in the field. His combination of mobility, poise, and wins could earn him late-season momentum.
Diego Pavia (+850) Click here to bet on Diego Pavia at FanDuel
Lastly, Diego Pavia’s +850 odds reflect his team’s strong record more than his individual dominance. The Vanderbilt quarterback has led the Commodores to a 7-1 start but has struggled statistically, managing just 120 passing yards in last week’s 17-10 win over Missouri. While he continues to make key plays in tight games, including a game-winning rushing score, his production isn’t at the Heisman level yet. Unless his numbers surge down the stretch, Pavia’s candidacy will likely fade despite Vanderbilt’s success.
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