Week 12 Heisman Trophy Odds: Big Ten QBs Take The Lead

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin 10 throws during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross Ade Stadium in West Lafayette Ind on Nov 8 2025 Ohio State won 34 10

We are another weekend closer to the Heisman Trophy ceremony! While the two undefeated Big Ten quarterbacks solidified their spots, the race for an invitation to New York is tightening due to a handful of elite SEC passers.

Here is the current Heisman Trophy Power Rankings leaderboard and an analysis of the top contenders heading into the final stretch of the season.

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The Heisman Leaderboard: Week 11 Standings (Odds from Draft Kings)

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0): -150
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers (10-0): +250
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M Aggies (9-0): +400
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1): +750
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss Rebels (9-1): +1000

Nov 8 2025 University Park Pennsylvania USA Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza 15 is lifted into the air after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr 3 not pictured during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium Mandatory Credit Matthew OHaren Imagn Images

Analyzing the Top 5 Heisman Contenders

1. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes (-150)

Julian Sayin remains the gold standard of consistency and efficiency. He led the Buckeyes to a decisive 34-10 win over Purdue, completing over 80% of his passes. He’s the commander of the undisputed top-ranked team in the CFP.

Strength: Unflappable composure, highest completion rate in the nation, and the support of the top-ranked team.
Weakness: Needs an eye-popping, memorable performance. He had a bye in Week 12.
Next Game: BYE (He’ll prepare for Michigan State in Week 12).

2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers (+250)

Fernando Mendoza delivered his defining Heisman moment this week, engineering an 80-yard game-winning touchdown drive against Penn State to secure a 27-24 victory. He’s the inspirational leader who has made Indiana the biggest surprise story in college football history.

Strength: He’s the first player to reach 10 wins this season, has an elite clutch factor, and leads the Heisman narrative race.
Weakness: The perceived strength of schedule is a slight knock, though that’s less relevant after beating Oregon and Penn State on the road.
Next Game: vs. Wisconsin (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET). A strong chance for him to put up huge numbers in a historic home game.

3. Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M Aggies (+400)

Marcel Reed maintained his perfect record, leading the Aggies to a dominant 38-17 road win over Missouri. A&M is 9-0 and leads the SEC standings at 6-0 in conference play. Reed’s dual-threat ability is what separates him in the crowded SEC race.

Strength: Undefeated record in the toughest conference. He is extremely reliable and a threat with both his arm and his legs.
Weakness: The Aggies win with defense and running back Rueben Owens II, so Reed sometimes lacks the jaw-dropping passing volume of other contenders.
Next Game: vs. #12 Oklahoma (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC). A huge opportunity for a statement win against a top-tier opponent.

4. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide (+750)

Ty Simpson proved his elite status by managing a tough rivalry game against LSU, leading the Tide to a gritty 20-9 victory. Simpson’s efficiency and leadership are undeniable, pushing Alabama to eight straight wins since their opener.

Strength: Proven winner in big games, low interception rate, and leading one of the nation’s most physical teams.
Weakness: His total yardage stats are generally lower than his competitors due to Alabama’s run-heavy attack.
Next Game: vs. #12 Oklahoma (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC). This is a CFP eliminator where a dominant performance could vault him into the top two.

5. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss Rebels (+1000)

Trinidad Chambliss had a tune-up game against The Citadel, dominating with three touchdowns in a 49-0 win, giving Ole Miss their ninth win of the season. The Rebels’ offense is relentless, and Chambliss has delivered consistent excellence this season.

Strength: Elite passing and rushing yardage. He is the engine of one of the nation’s most exciting and high-scoring offenses.
Weakness: He already has a loss to Georgia, and he needs a flawless finish along with upsets above him to win.
Next Game: vs. Florida (Saturday, 7:00 PM ET, ESPN). A necessary blowout win to keep the CFP committee impressed.

Week 12 will be another test for the potential candidates. Who will make a statement this weekend?