Midseason Heisman Watch: Who Can Lead Their Teams to the Playoffs?
At the midpoint of the 2025 NCAAF season, the Heisman and playoff races are heating up, as several quarterbacks are emerging as frontrunners. Dante Moore, Fernando Mendoza, Carson Beck, and Ty Simpson have all been almost flawless through six weeks, all making an impressive Heisman case while leading their teams into playoff contention. As the season progresses, these players will aim to continue their standout performances and lead their team to a spot in the College Football Playoffs. With highlight wins already on their resume, every upcoming game will be crucial in shaping their Heisman standing and their team's playoff potential.
Dante Moore has been outstanding for the Ducks, throwing for 1210 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only one interception. Moore's playmaking and poise have kept Oregon undefeated and helped the Ducks climb to third in the latest AP Poll. More showcased his clutch ability in a double-overtime road win against Penn State, where he threw for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Week Seven brings another tough matchup against Fernando Mendoza and the seventh-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, in a test that could further define his Heisman campaign and strengthen Oregon's playoff hopes.
Fernando Mendoza has been making a Heisman case of his own as he looks towards a marquee matchup with Moore and the Ducks. Mendoza has risen in the Heisman ranks and has led Indiana to a perfect 5-0 start while throwing for 1201 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only one interception. Five of those touchdowns came in a dominant victory against Illinois, which was ranked number nine at the time. As Mendoza and the Hoosiers head to Oregon for a top 10 matchup, they will have to continue to prove they belong in the Heisman conversation and at the top of the rankings.
Moving into the SEC, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has been exceptional, throwing for 1478 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only one interception. Simpson and the Crimson Tide are coming off two ranked wins, including one on the road against the fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Simpson's performance has Alabama in contention for an SEC title and a College Football Playoff spot. Simpson now faces a gauntlet of a schedule, including four ranked opponents, starting with the fourteenth-ranked Missouri on Saturday, which will give him further opportunities to cement his Heisman case.
The Georgia transfer has had an immediate impact for the Miami Hurricanes, guiding them to an undefeated start while throwing for 1214 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Carson Beck has been nearly unstoppable, coming off possibly his best game of the season versus Florida State, where he completed 20/27 throws for 241 yards and four touchdowns. Along with Florida State, Beck's performance has been key in Miami's wins against Notre Dame, Florida, and USF. Although Miami does not have any more ranked opponents on the schedule, Beck will have to continue to produce at a high level to maintain his Heisman frontrunner status and help Miami secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
As the second half of the season begins, the Heisman Trophy race remains open, with no clear candidate just yet. Dante Moore, Fernando Mendoza, Carson Beck, and Ty Simpson are all in contention, and their upcoming matchups will be critical in shaping both their Heisman quest and their teams' pursuits of winning a National Championship. With every game carrying significant importance, a standout performance could increase their Heisman chances and skyrocket their team's ranking. The next half of the season will be crucial for both these players and their teams.
