As the college football season reaches its midpoint, the race for the Heisman Trophy is heating up—and ESPN has just dropped a ranking that’s sure to spark debate. With Week 7 in the books, the network has unveiled its Top-10 contenders for college football’s most prestigious individual award, using a unique Formula 1-style voting system where players accumulate points based on weekly performance. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some names on the list were expected, others are surprising—and a few notable stars are conspicuously absent. Could this be the year an underdog takes home the trophy? Let’s dive in.
ESPN’s Bill Connelly released the midseason recap, highlighting the players who have racked up the most points in their voting system so far. The method? A weekly Top-10 ranking, with the first-place player earning 10 points, the second earning 9, and so on. However, as Connelly himself noted, “things are obviously still pretty uncertain” about who will ultimately stand on that Heisman stage in December. The second half of the season often reshuffles the deck, and this year promises no shortage of drama.
Here’s ESPN’s Midseason Top-10 Heisman Contenders:
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (29 points)
Fresh off a solid performance in Alabama’s win over Mizzou, Simpson sits atop the leaderboard. With a 70.9% completion rate, 279.7 yards per game, 18 touchdowns, and just two turnovers, he’s been the model of consistency. But can he maintain this momentum against tougher opponents? Connelly praised Simpson’s ability to step up after a shaky outing in Tallahassee, but here’s the kicker: Alabama’s schedule is about to get brutal. Will he rise to the challenge, or will the pressure crack his Heisman hopes?See AlsoJamari Thrash's Impactful Performance: A Look at His Lone Target CatchSterling Shepard's First TD Reception of 2025: A Game-Changing Moment for the BuccaneersFSU vs Stanford: Seminoles' Heartbreaking Loss Drops Them to 3-4Kirby Smart Clapping Controversy: Did Georgia Get Away With It? | Auburn vs Georgia AnalysisTaylen Green, QB, Arkansas (22 points)
Green’s emergence as a Heisman contender is one of the season’s biggest surprises. Despite a three-point loss to Tennessee, his performance earned him seven points this week. With 63% completion, 359.7 total yards per game, and 17 touchdowns, he’s been a rare bright spot for the struggling Razorbacks. But here’s the question: Can a player from a team with a losing record really win the Heisman? History says no, but Green’s stats are hard to ignore.Demond Williams, QB, Washington (19 points)
Williams’ breakout game against Rutgers—where he threw for 538 yards and four touchdowns—propelled him into the Heisman conversation. Connelly called it a “once-in-a-lifetime performance,” but here’s the catch: Rutgers’ defense has been abysmal this season. Was this a fluke, or is Williams the real deal? His next few games will be the ultimate test.Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois (16 points)
Altmyer has been a steady force for the Illini, even in a tough loss to No. 1 Ohio State. With a 72.4% completion rate and 13 touchdowns, he’s proven he can hang with the best. But here’s the debate: Is consistency enough, or does he need a signature win to solidify his Heisman case?Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss (15 points)
Chambliss stepped into the spotlight after starter Austin Simmons’ injury, but his performance against Washington State raised questions. Despite solid numbers—65.4% completion, 10 touchdowns—he’s yet to prove he can lead the Rebels to a championship. And this is the part most people miss: The Heisman often goes to players on title-contending teams. Can Chambliss buck that trend?Jayden Maiava, QB, USC (12 points)
Maiava’s performance in USC’s win over No. 15 Michigan was impressive, but he’s still on the Heisman bubble. A strong showing this weekend against Notre Dame could change that. The big question: Is he Lincoln Riley’s next Heisman winner, or just another talented quarterback in a long line of Trojans?Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington (10 points)
Coleman is the only running back on this list, and for good reason. With 761 yards from scrimmage and 11 rushing touchdowns, he’s been Washington’s workhorse. But here’s the reality: Running backs rarely win the Heisman in today’s pass-heavy game. Can Coleman defy the odds?Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA (10 points)
Iamaleava’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After leading UCLA to wins over No. 7 Penn State and Michigan State, he’s gone from afterthought to contender. But here’s the twist: His early-season struggles are still fresh in voters’ minds. Can he sustain this momentum, or will he fade down the stretch?Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (10 points)
Mendoza’s performance in Indiana’s upset win over No. 6 Oregon put him on the Heisman radar. With the Hoosiers looking like a potential Big Ten contender, his stock is soaring. But here’s the challenge: Can he keep up this pace against tougher conference opponents?Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt (10 points)
Pavia has been the driving force behind Vanderbilt’s turnaround, averaging 293.5 total yards per game. But here’s the harsh truth: Vanderbilt isn’t exactly a football powerhouse. Can Pavia overcome his team’s reputation to make a serious Heisman push?
And let’s not forget Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor (10 points), who leads the nation in passing yards and touchdowns but is tied for last on this list. Is he being overlooked, or is his team’s lack of success holding him back?
As the season unfolds, one thing is clear: this Heisman race is far from over. Who do you think will emerge as the frontrunner? And is ESPN’s ranking fair, or are they missing the mark? Sound off in the comments—this is one debate that’s just getting started.
