2025 Heisman Watch: John Mateer’s Injury Opens Door for New Contenders

With Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer undergoing hand surgery that will sideline him for several weeks, the Heisman race is already taking shape.

Just a few weeks into the college football season, Heisman odds have been completely turned upside down. Texas quarterback Arch Manning opened as the betting favorite to take home the Heisman, and his odds are all the way down at +4000 on FanDuel Sportsbook – longer than Georgia Tech’s Haynes King and Missouri’s Beau Pribula.

The Sooners are 4-0 and Mateer looked prime to make a Heisman run. He had both the personality and pedigree to get the job done. But without him, this Heisman picture is becoming way more clear.

Check out the new list of favorites who could steal the Heisman trophy in a strange year of college football.

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana QB (+650)

Mendoza has officially taken over for the best odds to win the Heisman trophy.

The 21 year-old transfer from California has Indiana’s offense humming. Most recently, the Hoosiers upset No. 9 Illinois. Mendoza popped off in that game. He was 21-of-23 passing for 267 yards and a whopping five touchdowns.

The junior quarterback will control his own destiny. If he continues to play well against ranked opponents like Oregon and Penn State, he has the ability to cement Indiana in the College Football Playoff and run away with this year’s Heisman.

Dante Moore, Oregon QB (+1100)

Similar to Mendoza, Oregon’s quarterback has ranked games against Penn State, Indiana and USC.

He has seamlessly taken over Dan Lanning’s program after Dillon Gabriel graduated to the NFL.

But more importantly, Oregon has a roster that could compete in the Big Ten this year. If Moore can elevate the roster around him and deliver a few Heisman moments along the way, he could be a solid Heisman option.

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State WR (+1100)

It’s been a bad college football season for quarterbacks.

Cade Klubnik has crashed and burned with Clemson’s season. Manning is a bust so far. Garrett Nussmeir has not popped as some had hoped. Penn State’s Drew Allar is nowhere to be found.

While he isn’t a quarterback, Smith is the best player in college football. Through three games, he has seamlessly transitioned from having Will Howard to Julian Sayin as his quarterbacks. The Buckeyes are the No. 1 team in the nation and could hold that position throughout the entire season as long as they take care of business.

If Mendoza and Moore fail to rise to the occasion like the other quarterbacks in their class, Smith should run away with the Heisman trophy, making him the second consecutive non-quarterback to contend for the award.