The stakes don’t get much higher than this. No.
2 Indiana and No. 1 Ohio State are set to clash in the Big Ten Championship, and the matchup is loaded with storylines that go way beyond just a conference title.
For Indiana, this is a shot at redemption - a chance to wipe away the sting of last year’s loss to the Buckeyes and potentially vault themselves into the top spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. For Ohio State, it’s about maintaining their grip on the No. 1 seed and proving once again why they’ve been the class of the Big Ten under Ryan Day.
But let’s be real: the spotlight is going to be firmly fixed on the quarterbacks. This game features two of the most electric signal-callers in the country, both firmly in the Heisman conversation - Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin. It’s a heavyweight showdown, and neither of these guys is backing down.
Sayin, in his first year as the Buckeyes’ starter, has been nothing short of surgical. He’s completing a nation-best 78.9% of his passes, racking up 3,065 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only five interceptions.
That’s elite-level production, especially considering the pressure that comes with taking over a program like Ohio State. Just look at what he did against Wisconsin - 393 yards and four touchdowns - or how he carved up Penn State with 316 yards and another four scores.
He’s been calm, confident, and in control all season long.
But Mendoza isn’t just keeping pace - he’s matching Sayin step for step, and in some cases, surpassing him. The California transfer has been a revelation for the Hoosiers, completing 72.0% of his passes with 32 touchdowns - two more than Sayin - and the same number of interceptions.
He’s been the engine behind Indiana’s rise, and he’s doing it with poise, precision, and a bit of flair. This isn’t just a good season for Mendoza - it’s a potentially historic one.
Heisman voters are watching this game closely, and for good reason. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Mendoza currently holds the edge with +105 odds, but Sayin is right behind him at +155. A big performance from either quarterback could swing the pendulum - not just in the Heisman race, but in the College Football Playoff picture as well.
Of course, this game isn’t just about the quarterbacks. Both teams come in with top-five defenses nationally, and that’s going to matter - a lot.
Indiana’s wideouts, particularly Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt, will have their hands full trying to find space against an Ohio State secondary that’s been lights-out all year. On the flip side, the Buckeyes’ receivers will need to win their matchups against a Hoosier defense that’s been just as stingy.
For Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, this is one of the biggest moments of his tenure. A win here would not only avenge last year’s defeat but also cement Indiana’s place among the elite programs in the country. For Ohio State, it’s about continuing a legacy of dominance and letting the rest of the nation know that the road to the national title still runs through Columbus.
Bottom line: this isn’t just the Big Ten Championship. It’s a battle for playoff positioning, a potential Heisman decider, and a defining moment for two of the best quarterbacks in the country. Buckle up - this one’s going to be special.