Who’s Leading the Heisman Race in 2025
As of November 2025, sportsbooks and analysts largely agree: one quarterback leads — but there’s a cluster of elite contenders right behind him.
Here are the top five candidates with the best shot at winning, along with current odds to win the Heisman and what they bring to the table as you bet on NCAA awards.
2025 Top 5 Heisman Candidates & Their Odds
| Rank | Player & School | Approx. Odds to Win (as of late Nov 2025) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernando Mendoza Heisman Odds (QB, Indiana) | ~ –105 — sometimes listed as +100 or “favorite” on different books | |
| 2 | Jeremiyah Love Heisman Odds (RB, Notre Dame) | +375 to +500 depending on sportsbook | |
| 3 | Julian Sayin Heisman Odds (QB, Ohio State) | +360 to +550 depending on sportsbook and timing | |
| 4 | Marcel Reed Heisman Odds (QB, Texas A&M) | +1100 to +1200 per recent odds boards | |
| 5 | Diego Pavia Heisman Odds (QB, Vanderbilt) | +600 to +650 (though some sportsbooks list longer) |
Where Could Norte Dame RB Jeremiyah Love Land? Top 2026 NFL “Fits” for Love
Here are several NFL teams that mock drafts and analysts frequently mention as potential landing spots for Love — along with why he makes sense there:
| Team | Why It’s a Fit / What They Offer |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | Some analysts project Minnesota could take him in the mid‑first round (e.g., around pick 15) — a spot where teams looking to add explosiveness and youth at RB might pounce. PFSN |
| Washington Commanders | Given uncertainty at RB beyond this season (with current veterans nearing free agency), some mocks slot Love in the late 1st or early 2nd round for Washington as their eventual lead back. SI+1 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | A few mock drafts suggest the Chiefs pick Love (e.g., in the mid‑first round) |
What Could Affect Jeremiyah Love Draft Stock or Landing Spot
Here are some of the draft‑day variables that can impact where (and when) he goes:
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Positional value: Running back remains a debated position when it comes to first‑round capital. Some teams avoid spending top‑15 picks on RBs, which could push Love into early second round depending on the draft class depth and team philosophies
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Pass protection and size concerns: While Love brings speed and elusiveness, some scouting reports note that his pass‑protection and “ideal mass” may be slightly suboptimal for a feature back — a concern for NFL offensive coordinators
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Team drafting philosophy & fit: Landing spot depends heavily on team need and scheme. A zone‑heavy offense valuing speed and open‑field yardage (rather than power‑between‑tackles) likely boosts Love’s stock; more traditional, power‑run schemes might prefer a more bruiser‑type back.
Article updated at 7:10 PM CDT to reflect latest information
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