Jeremiyah Love, Fernando Mendoza, Diego Pavia, and Julian Sayin have emerged as the top four finalists for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, with the winner set to be announced at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 13, on ABC. This year’s finalists showcase exceptional talent and accomplishments in college football, each bringing their unique strengths to the forefront.
Jeremiyah Love, a running back from Notre Dame, had an outstanding junior season despite the Fighting Irish’s missed opportunity for a College Football Playoff berth. Love set a new program record by scoring 21 touchdowns, surpassing the legendary Jerome Bettis. He tied Audric Estimé for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season with 18, and his 1,372 rushing yards ranked him fourth in the FBS. His remarkable average of 6.9 yards per carry was the best among players with at least 150 attempts, showcasing his elite skills on the field.
Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback from Indiana, has played a pivotal role in his team’s success this season. A transfer from California, Mendoza leads the nation with 33 passing touchdowns and has maintained a low interception count, throwing only six all year. Notably, he is the only quarterback in the country to have led his team to an unblemished 13-0 record this season, marking significant progress for the Indiana football program.
Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia has transformed the Commodores into a competitive force in the SEC. His two-year tenure at Vanderbilt has led the team to its first-ever 10-win season. Although they narrowly missed the College Football Playoff, Pavia’s season statistics are impressive, with 27 passing touchdowns and 3,192 passing yards, alongside eight interceptions. Additionally, he contributed significantly on the ground with nine rushing touchdowns and 826 rushing yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
Representing Ohio State, Julian Sayin stepped into a crucial role following Will Howard’s championship season. The sophomore quarterback has guided the Buckeyes to a perfect 12-0 record in the regular season, racking up 31 passing touchdowns and 3,323 passing yards while throwing only six interceptions. His exceptional 78.4 completion percentage leads the FBS. A highlight of his season was a standout performance during Rivalry Week, where he achieved 233 passing yards with three touchdowns in a victory over Michigan, securing a win for Ohio State for the first time since 2019.
As college football fans eagerly await the Heisman Trophy announcement, the talents of these four finalists spotlight a dynamic season filled with remarkable achievements and competitive spirit. Each player not only made significant contributions to their programs but also has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in college football history.