Fernando Mendoza Wins 2025 Heisman Trophy in a Landslide, but Look Who Else Got Votes
The 2025 Heisman Trophy race wasn’t close-and that’s because Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza left no doubt. On Saturday night, Mendoza was announced as the winner in a landslide, capping off a breakout season that etched his name into college football history.
Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia finished as the runner-up, while Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love rounded out the top three. Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez completed the top five.
But as always, the Heisman story doesn’t end with the ceremony. The Heisman Trophy Trust releases the top 10 vote-getters each year, but Heisman ballots go deeper than the final leaderboard.
With 930 total ballots-870 from media members, 59 from former winners, and one from a fan vote-several players outside the final top 10 still managed to earn recognition. Some of these names might surprise you.
Let’s take a closer look at a few players who earned Heisman votes in 2025, even if they didn’t crack the final top 10.
Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri
Voter: Shane Mettlen (DNR Sports)
While Jeremiyah Love was the only running back to officially finish in the top 10, Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy quietly put together a monster season in the SEC. Hardy led the conference in rushing with 1,560 yards on 241 carries-good for a 6.5 yards-per-carry average-and found the end zone 16 times. That kind of production in the SEC doesn’t go unnoticed.
Heisman voter Shane Mettlen certainly took notice. He slotted Hardy second on his ballot, behind Diego Pavia and ahead of eventual winner Fernando Mendoza.
Hardy may not have had the national spotlight all season, but his numbers speak for themselves. In a conference known for its defensive prowess, Hardy carved up opposing fronts week after week.
Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
Voter: Koki Riley (Nola.com)
USC’s first year in the Big Ten came with plenty of adjustments, but quarterback Jayden Maiava handled the transition like a veteran. No Big Ten quarterback threw for more yards than Maiava, who completed 66.2% of his passes for 3,431 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He led the Trojans to a 9-3 record and a trip to the Alamo Bowl.
Koki Riley had Maiava third on his ballot, behind Pavia and Mendoza. While Maiava didn’t generate the same buzz as some of the other finalists, his consistency and command of the offense made him one of the most productive passers in the country this season.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Voter: Kevin Bilodeau (Live 5 News)
After a year of watching the College Football Playoff from home, Alabama returned to the big stage in 2025-and Ty Simpson was a major reason why. Taking over the reins of the Crimson Tide offense, Simpson threw for 3,268 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
He didn’t land in the Heisman top 10, but his steady play and leadership didn’t go unnoticed. Kevin Bilodeau gave Simpson a third-place vote, behind Mendoza and Love. In a season where Alabama needed a stabilizing force under center, Simpson delivered.
David Bailey, LB, Texas Tech
Voters: Kyle Golik (Nittany Sports Now), Antonio Morales (The Athletic)
Jacob Rodriguez wasn’t the only Texas Tech linebacker making noise in 2025. David Bailey, a transfer from Stanford, made an immediate impact in Lubbock. Bailey racked up 17.5 tackles for loss and led the Big 12 with 13.5 sacks in 13 games-eye-popping numbers for any defender, let alone one in his first year with a new team.
Antonio Morales gave Bailey a third-place vote behind Mendoza and Pavia, while Kyle Golik went even further, placing Bailey second behind Love and ahead of Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith.
It’s rare for defensive players to crack the Heisman conversation, but Bailey’s production was too dominant to ignore. He disrupted offenses all season and was a force in the Red Raiders’ front seven.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Voter: John Canzano (750 The Game)
Early in the season, Dante Moore looked like a serious Heisman contender. But his campaign took a hit with a two-interception outing in Oregon’s 30-20 loss to Indiana on October 11. Still, Moore finished with 2,733 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions while leading the Ducks to an 11-1 record and a College Football Playoff berth.
John Canzano gave Moore a third-place vote, placing him behind Pavia and Mendoza. While Moore ultimately fell out of the Heisman spotlight, his steady play and leadership helped Oregon stay in the national title conversation all year.
Final Thoughts
Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman win was decisive, but as always, the ballots tell a deeper story. Players like Ahmad Hardy, Jayden Maiava, and David Bailey may not have been in New York for the ceremony, but their seasons resonated with voters who saw their impact up close.
The Heisman is about more than just stats-it’s about moments, leadership, and elevating your team. These players did just that, and even a single vote is a nod to the kind of season that deserves to be remembered.