Overview
- The Indiana–Ohio State matchup is widely treated as the decisive showcase for first‑year starters Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin, whose undefeated seasons have narrowed the race to a head‑to‑head.
- Odds boards have tightened, with one market listing Sayin as a slight favorite entering the weekend and Diego Pavia second, while Mendoza sits just behind in a near dead heat.
- Sayin leads the nation in completion rate at 78.9% and in passing efficiency, bolstered by a three‑touchdown performance at Michigan that ended the Buckeyes’ losing streak in the rivalry.
- Mendoza tops the FBS with 32 touchdown passes and owns multiple signature moments in wins over Penn State, Iowa and Oregon, giving him a resume many analysts say needs only a steady title‑game outing.
- Vanderbilt’s Pavia has surged into clear finalist territory but lacks a conference title game to add a last data point, while Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love and Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez are viewed as long‑shot invitees.