Heisman Trophy 2025 Odds, How to Watch, and the Rise of Fernando Mendoza

Posted on by Clara Fontain
Fernando Mendoza
10 min read

Heisman 2025 Odds Revealed: Early favorites, dark horses, and a full guide on where to watch. Don’t miss the deep dive on Cal QB Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman potential.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy, arguably the most prestigious individual award in American collegiate athletics, annually crowns the most outstanding player in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). As the 2024 season concludes and we look ahead to 2025, the anticipation for the next Heisman race is already building.

From seasoned veterans returning for another shot to breakout stars poised to dominate, the landscape is ripe with potential contenders. This comprehensive guide will delve into the early Heisman Trophy 2025 odds, explain how and where you can watch the exhilarating journey unfold, and spotlight one intriguing name generating buzz: Fernando Mendoza.

Understanding the Heisman Trophy: A Legacy of Excellence

Before we dive into the contenders, let’s briefly recap what the Heisman Trophy represents. Awarded by the Heisman Trust, the trophy is voted on by 870 media members, 58 living Heisman winners, and a single fan vote, totaling 929 electors. The criteria are simple in theory: “The outstanding player in college football whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.” In practice, it often favors quarterbacks and running backs from top-tier programs who lead their teams to significant victories and compile eye-popping statistics.

The Heisman ceremony itself is a spectacle, typically held in New York City in December, a few weeks after the regular season concludes and before the Bowl Games. It’s a moment where individual brilliance is celebrated on a national stage.

Early Heisman Trophy 2025 Odds: Who Are the Favorites?

Predicting the Heisman winner a year out is an inexact science, heavily influenced by returning talent, coaching changes, transfer portal moves, and projected team success. However, oddsmakers waste no time in establishing an initial pecking order. These early odds provide a fascinating glimpse into who the experts and betting markets believe have the best shot at Heisman glory.

Key Factors Influencing Early Odds:

  • Returning Quarterbacks: Quarterbacks from Power Five (soon to be Power Two/Three) conferences who showed flashes of brilliance or had strong 2024 seasons are often immediate front-runners.
  • Star Running Backs: While QBs dominate, a truly exceptional running back with significant volume and a high touchdown count from a contending team can break through.
  • Team Success: The Heisman is rarely awarded to a player on a losing team. Contenders typically play for programs expected to be in the College Football Playoff hunt.
  • “Heisman Moments”: Iconic performances in big games, especially nationally televised ones, can significantly boost a player’s candidacy.
  • Narrative: The media loves a compelling story – a redemption arc, a breakout season, or a player overcoming adversity.

Potential Heisman Trophy 2025 Contenders (Hypothetical Early Odds):

  • Returning Veteran Quarterbacks:
    • Carson Beck (QB, Georgia): If Beck returns for his senior season, leading a perennial national championship contender like Georgia, he will undoubtedly be an early favorite. His poise, accuracy, and big-game experience make him a prime candidate. (Likely odds range: +500 to +800)
    • Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas): Should Ewers opt to stay in Austin, another year under Steve Sarkisian’s tutelage and with Texas expected to be a force in the new SEC, his stock would be incredibly high. His arm talent is undeniable. (Likely odds range: +700 to +1000)
    • Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss): Dart’s growth under Lane Kiffin has been impressive. If Ole Miss continues its ascent and becomes a legitimate SEC contender, Dart’s dual-threat ability and big plays could put him in the conversation. (Likely odds range: +1200 to +1800)
    • Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU): Assuming Nussmeier steps into the starting role at LSU after Jayden Daniels’ departure, he’ll be leading an offense known for producing Heisman contenders. If he can match Daniels’ production, he’ll be a force. (Likely odds range: +1500 to +2000)
  • Breakout Candidates / Rising Stars:
    • Dylan Raiola (QB, Nebraska): High-profile freshman quarterbacks often get early buzz. If Raiola lives up to his immense hype and elevates the Nebraska program, he could be a dark horse to watch, reminiscent of some past freshman sensations. (Likely odds range: +2500 to +4000)
    • Nick Singleton / Kaytron Allen (RB, Penn State): If one of these talented running backs takes a clear lead in the backfield and has an absolutely dominant year for a top-10 Penn State team, they could force their way into the conversation, though it’s an uphill battle for RBs. (Likely odds range: +3000 to +5000)
  • Intriguing Transfers / Dark Horses: The transfer portal is a wild card. A high-impact transfer to a prominent program, especially at quarterback, can dramatically alter the Heisman race.

Please Note: These odds are purely hypothetical and based on typical market trends and player potential. Actual odds will be released by sportsbooks closer to the 2025 season. Always gamble responsibly.

How and Where to Watch the Heisman Trophy Race Unfold

Following the Heisman race is a season-long commitment, filled with thrilling Saturdays, dramatic upsets, and individual brilliance. Here’s how you can stay on top of all the action:

1. Live College Football Games:

  • Television Networks: The vast majority of top-tier college football games are broadcast on major networks.
    • ESPN/ABC: The undisputed leader in college football coverage, ESPN and ABC will carry numerous marquee matchups, including SEC, ACC, and Big 12 games, as well as the College Football Playoff. ESPN’s family of networks (ESPN2, ESPNU, ACC Network, SEC Network, Longhorn Network) provides extensive coverage.
    • FOX/FS1: FOX is a dominant force in Big Ten and Big 12 coverage, often featuring the biggest games in those conferences on “Big Noon Kickoff.” FS1 also carries a significant number of games.
    • CBS/NBC: With the shift of the Big Ten’s primary package to FOX and NBC, expect NBC to feature prominent Big Ten games, including Notre Dame matchups. CBS will still carry some important games, especially with the new SEC deal going to ESPN.
    • Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) & Conference Networks: Don’t forget about channels like the Pac-12 Network (while it still exists), Big Ten Network, ACC Network, and SEC Network for conference-specific matchups.
  • Streaming Services (Live TV):
    • Sling TV: Offers various packages, including those with ESPN, FOX, and other sports channels.
    • Hulu + Live TV: Comprehensive package with a wide array of sports channels.5
    • YouTube TV: Includes most major sports networks and local channels.6
    • FuboTV: Heavily focused on sports, offering a vast selection of channels.7
    • DirecTV Stream: Another robust option for live TV streaming.
    • Peacock: NBC’s streaming service will be crucial for Big Ten games.
    • ESPN+: Essential for out-of-market games and exclusive content.

2. Heisman Watch/Award Shows:

  • ESPN’s College GameDay: The quintessential pre-game show provides weekly analysis, interviews, and Heisman discussion.
  • Other Studio Shows: ESPN, FOX Sports, and CBS Sports Network will have various studio shows dedicated to college football, often highlighting Heisman contenders.
  • The Heisman Ceremony: Typically broadcast live on ESPN in early December.

3. Online and Social Media:

  • Sports News Websites: ESPN.com, CBSSports.com, FOXSports.com, Bleacher Report, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and countless local team sites will provide constant updates, analysis, and Heisman polls.
  • Social Media: Follow major sports journalists, college football insider accounts, and the official Heisman Trophy accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok for real-time news, highlights, and discussions. Hashtags like #Heisman, #CollegeFootball, and specific player names will keep you in the loop.
  • Podcasts: Numerous college football podcasts offer deep dives, opinion, and Heisman analysis throughout the season.

The Rise of Fernando Mendoza: A Name to Watch?

While the major networks and top prospects grab most of the headlines, the beauty of the Heisman race is the potential for an unexpected contender to emerge. One name that has started to generate some low-key buzz and could be an intriguing dark horse for 2025 is Fernando Mendoza, the young quarterback for the California Golden Bears.

Who is Fernando Mendoza?

Fernando Mendoza is a quarterback who burst onto the scene in 2023 for Cal. He redshirted in 2022 and began the 2023 season as a backup. However, due to injuries and performance, he was thrust into the starting role mid-season. What followed was a commendable display of grit, poise, and potential for a true freshman.

Why is he an intriguing Heisman dark horse for 2025?

  1. Freshman Impact: Mendoza’s performance as a true freshman starting quarterback in the competitive Pac-12 (soon to be ACC for Cal) was remarkable. He showed a strong arm, good decision-making under pressure, and the ability to extend plays. He wasn’t perfect, but his flashes of brilliance against tough opponents suggested a high ceiling.
  2. Learning Curve & Experience: With a full season of starting experience under his belt, and an offseason to refine his technique and build chemistry with his receivers, Mendoza is poised for significant growth in 2025. He’ll be more comfortable in the system and better equipped to handle the demands of a starting QB.
  3. Cal’s Offensive System: Offensive Coordinator Mike Bloesch (and potentially Head Coach Justin Wilcox, if he can elevate the program) can design an offense that highlights Mendoza’s strengths. If Cal can develop a more consistent running game and solidify its offensive line, Mendoza’s passing numbers could jump dramatically.
  4. ACC Exposure: While the Pac-12 was a strong conference, Cal’s move to the ACC for 2024 (and thus 2025) offers new matchups and potentially different defensive schemes. If Cal can surprise and contend in the ACC, or pull off a few major upsets, Mendoza will gain national attention.
  5. Narrative Potential: A Heisman journey from a “non-traditional” program like Cal (compared to the Alabamas, Ohio States, and Georgias) is incredibly appealing. If Mendoza can elevate the Golden Bears to unprecedented success, his story would be compelling and could garner significant media votes. This “underdog” narrative has historically played well with Heisman voters.

What Mendoza needs to do to become a legitimate contender in 2025:

  • Significantly improved statistics: He’ll need to throw for over 3,500-4,000 yards and 30+ touchdowns with a good touchdown-to-interception ratio.
  • Team success: Cal would need to contend for the ACC Championship or at least finish with a strong record (9-10 wins) and beat some ranked opponents.
  • “Heisman moments”: Mendoza will need to deliver clutch performances in big games, perhaps leading game-winning drives or throwing for huge yardage against top defenses.
  • Stay healthy: A full, uninterrupted season is crucial for any Heisman hopeful.
  • Minimize mistakes: Turnovers are a Heisman killer. He’ll need to protect the football.

While a long shot at this early stage, Fernando Mendoza represents the type of player who, with a stellar offseason and a breakout 2025 campaign, could capture the imagination of voters and become a legitimate Heisman contender. He’s certainly a name worth keeping an eye on as the season approaches.

The Thrill of the Chase

The Heisman Trophy race is one of the most exciting aspects of college football. It’s a season-long narrative of individual excellence intertwined with team aspirations. As we move closer to the 2025 season, the debates will intensify, the highlights will amaze, and the contenders will emerge.

Whether it’s a household name leading a championship contender or a rising star like Fernando Mendoza from an unexpected program, the journey to the Heisman House promises to be captivating. Get ready to watch, analyze, and enjoy every moment of this incredible pursuit of college football glory.

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