Overview
- The Heisman Trophy presentation begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN from New York City.
- Finalists are Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia, Ohio State QB Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, who is the only non‑quarterback and the Doak Walker Award winner.
- Mendoza led 13‑0 Indiana to the Big Ten title over Ohio State and the No. 1 CFP seed, throwing for 2,980 yards and an FBS‑best 33 touchdowns with six rushing scores.
- On awards night, Mendoza claimed the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien honors and was named AP player of the year, as sportsbooks and prediction markets priced him as the overwhelming favorite (reported near -2000 to -2500).
- Sayin topped the nation with a 78.4% completion rate and 31 TDs for CFP-bound Ohio State, while Pavia set Vanderbilt’s single‑season passing record, ran for 826 yards, delivered the school’s first 10‑win season, and became its first Heisman finalist.