Heisman Trophy Candidates at the Halfway Point of the Season

College football is at the halfway point of the season, and the Heisman Trophy race is starting to take shape.

The talent across the country is deep, but at the end of the year, only four players will earn a spot on the final ballot.

Here are the four players making the strongest cases for college football’s most prestigious award as the season heats up.

1. Ty Simpson — QB, Alabama Crimson Tide 

When former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe left for the NFL, expectations for the Crimson Tide were uncertain. That uncertainty grew after Alabama’s 31-17 loss to kick off the season. Simpson played fine, completing 23 of 43 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. But winning is the standard in Tuscaloosa, and how Simpson responded to the loss would define Alabama’s season. 

Since then, he’s led the Crimson Tide to four consecutive wins, including statement victories over ranked SEC opponents Vanderbilt and Georgia. In those top-25 matchups, he went 47 of 69 for 616 yards, four touchdowns, and just one interception, while also rushing for a score.

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Through five games, Simpson has thrown for 1,478 yards, 13 touchdowns, and one interception while completing 70% of his passes. His moxie and focus have allowed him to stay calm and deliver for the Crimson Tide.

2. Ahmad Hardy — RB, Missouri Tigers

After transferring from Louisiana-Monroe, Hardy has been a breakout star in Missouri’s backfield. He’s eclipsed 100 rushing yards in each of the Tigers’ first five games, including 250 yards against Louisiana. He’s also found the end zone nine times. 

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Though his only true competition has been South Carolina and Kansas, his production speaks for itself. Last season, he totaled just 90 yards combined against SEC opponents Texas and Auburn. This year, in a better situation, he’s already totaled 790 yards on 103 carries. 

His next three opponents—Alabama, Auburn, and Vanderbilt—will be his biggest tests yet. If he keeps up this pace against SEC competition, he should be firmly in Heisman contention.

3. Dante Moore — QB, Oregon Ducks

Moore has showcased his talent while leading the Ducks to a 5-0 start. After beginning his college career at UCLA, he transferred to Oregon last season and learned behind Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel. Now, he’s ready to carve out his own legacy.

His first signature moment came in a primetime showdown against then-No. 3 Penn State in Happy Valley, where he had to face the deafening noise of a whiteout. Not only did he beat the Nittany Lions 30-24 in double overtime, but he threw for 248 yards and three touchdowns.

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So far this season, Moore has thrown for 1,210 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just one interception while completing 74% of his passes. He’s also added 122 yards on the ground, proving himself as a true dual-threat weapon.

4. Fernando Mendoza — QB, Indiana Hoosiers

After transferring from California, Mendoza has made an instant impact for the Hoosiers. In Week 7, he’ll have the chance to craft his own Heisman moment when Indiana faces No. 3 Oregon.

He’s already shown he can beat top-25 opponents, including a 63-10 win against Illinois, who entered the game ranked No. 9. In that matchup, Mendoza completed an astounding 91% of his passes for 267 yards and five touchdowns.

He’s thrown for 1,208 yards, 16 touchdowns, and one interception in Indiana’s first five games. Last year at Cal, he threw for 3,003 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His improvement jumps off the page, and it’s allowed him to lead Indiana to the No. 7 national ranking through seven weeks . 

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All eyes will be on Mendoza this weekend to see if he can continue his Heisman run. If he stays hot, he could lead Indiana to both a Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff berth.

Five Players to Watch:

1. Jeremiyah Love — RB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2. Carson Beck — QB, Miami Hurricanes 
3. Jeremiah Smith — WR, Ohio State Buckeyes 
4. Marcel Reed — QB, Texas A&M Aggies
5. Kewan Lacy — RB, Ole Miss Rebels