The race for the Heisman Trophy is really picking up steam as we roll into Week 8 of the 2025 college football season. With a handful of big-time matchups between ranked teams coming up, the pressure’s on for the top contenders.
This week could be a turning point for a lot of players. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, for one, just led his squad to a wild upset over Oregon.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest storylines and players to keep an eye on during what’s shaping up to be a pretty thrilling week in college football.
Fernando Mendoza: Indiana’s Rising Star
Fernando Mendoza has been on fire this season. He led Indiana to that program-shaking victory over Oregon and is now firmly in the Heisman mix.
His stats against top teams are tough to ignore. Mendoza’s made himself a real threat for the award, and people are starting to notice.
Key Performances
Mendoza’s season, in numbers:
- 2-0 against ranked opponents
- 6 touchdowns and 1 interception in those games
- 41-for-54 completion rate
Those numbers show he’s not just putting up stats—he’s doing it under pressure. It’s that kind of leadership that’s pushed Indiana up the ranks this year.
Week 8 Marquee Matchups
This week, five matchups feature ranked teams squaring off. Stakes are high for players trying to make a Heisman statement.
The big one? No. 5 Ole Miss takes on No. 9 Georgia, and both teams have quarterbacks in the Heisman conversation.
Top Games to Watch
- No. 5 Ole Miss vs. No. 9 Georgia
- No. 20 USC vs. No. 13 Notre Dame
These games aren’t just about the rankings—they’re make-or-break moments for guys hoping to climb up the Heisman board.
Heisman Race: The Top Contenders
FanDuel’s current odds put three players at the top, but Week 8 could shake things up. Here’s how it stands right now:
- Carson Beck, Miami (+300)
- Ty Simpson, Alabama (+320)
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (+430)
There are others still lurking with a shot if they have a breakout week:
- Marcel Reed, Texas A&M (+1600)
- Julian Sayin, Ohio State (+1800)
- Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (+1800)
Any of these guys could jump into the spotlight with a big performance. You never really know until the games are played.
Other Notable Performances
The focus is on the favorites, but a few other players have quietly put together seasons that could shake up the odds.
Dante Moore: A Setback
Dante Moore from Oregon looked like a frontrunner until his rough showing against Indiana. Two picks in that game dropped his odds to +3000.
To be fair, Oregon’s offensive line didn’t do him any favors—he was under fire all game.
John Mateer: Struggling to Rebound
John Mateer at Oklahoma hasn’t had it easy coming back from hand surgery. He tossed three interceptions in a loss to Texas.
That’s hurt his Heisman chances, but he’s still one of the most exciting dual-threat QBs out there.
Brendan Sorsby: A Rising Star
Brendan Sorsby at Cincinnati is quietly putting together a monster year. He hasn’t thrown a pick since Week 1 and keeps stacking multi-touchdown games.
That perfect 15-for-15 outing against Northwestern State? That was a highlight, no doubt.
Upcoming Challenges
Week 8 throws some serious hurdles at the Heisman hopefuls. It’s a week that could make or break a few resumes.
Trinidad Chambliss: A Big Test
Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss is about to face his biggest challenge yet in Georgia. The Division II transfer has impressed so far.
But can he keep his streak of 253+ yard games alive against that Georgia defense? That’s the real question.
Ty Simpson: The Best in the SEC
Ty Simpson at Alabama has been the top quarterback in the SEC this season. If he can snag a fourth top-25 win in as many weeks, that’ll only boost his Heisman case.
Rivalry games are where legends are made, right?
Devon Dampier: A Rebound Story
Devon Dampier from Utah has turned things around lately. He’s got eight total touchdowns in his last two games.
Now, Utah takes on undefeated BYU. If Dampier leads them to a win, his Heisman odds could get a serious bump.
Conclusion
Week 8 of the 2025 college football season is shaping up to be a real turning point in the Heisman Trophy race. There are some big games and plenty of chances for players to shake up the leaderboard.
Fernando Mendoza and a handful of others could really leave their mark this week. Honestly, who knows what surprises are in store? If you want to keep tabs on the latest Heisman odds and see how things are shifting, check out CBS Sports.
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