The battle for the Heisman Trophy is heating up—and while the spotlight is on a select few quarterbacks, a trio of overlooked long shots could still explode onto the scene and rewrite the script for this year’s finalists.
As the college football regular season enters its final weeks, the Heisman Trophy discussion has become a two-horse race at the top. Yet history tells us not to count out late risers—particularly when high-profile games and legacy programs are involved. This season, three long shots have a legitimate shot at shaking up the finalist lineup in spectacular fashion.
The Short List: Heavy Favorites Lock in, but the Door Isn’t Closed
Currently, Ohio State QB Julian Sayin stands as the slight betting favorite, with odds at +160, followed closely by Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza at +175. Alabama’s Ty Simpson (+550) and Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed (+750) round out the presumed finalists’ circle, each delivering strong statistical campaigns and commanding program narratives. The gap between these four and the rest of the field appears wide, but with marquee matchups remaining, a single week can still flip the script [Yahoo Sports].
Chasing History: Can a Long Shot Force Entry to New York?
The precedent for dramatic late entries into the finalist group is strong. In recent years, surging performances in rivalry showdowns and conference title games have vaulted players from the fringes into Heisman consideration. The question isn’t just whether someone outside the current top four can earn an invite—it’s which player has the resume and opportunity to seize the moment.
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith (+2500): The Unheralded Engine
- 65 receptions, 862 yards, 10 touchdowns; 2 carries, 20 rush yards, 1 rushing touchdown
Jeremiah Smith has dominated opposing secondaries all year, but his campaign for Heisman attention is being overshadowed by his own quarterback’s brilliance. Despite drawing heavy defensive focus, Smith’s consistency and explosiveness keep Ohio State’s offense humming. Teaming with Carnell Tate—who’s also having a superb season—Smith remains the X-factor capable of taking over in must-win games.
His two-touchdown, 123-yard performance against Penn State and a 10-catch, 137-yard game versus Purdue demonstrate his big-game credentials. Smith needs monster outings against Michigan and in the Big Ten title game to claw into the inner circle, but the narrative is set: if he shines on the biggest stages, voters will take notice.
The idea of both a quarterback and receiver from the same squad making the New York trip isn’t without precedent. DeVonta Smith and Mac Jones (Alabama, 2020), Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook (Oklahoma, 2016)—these duos remind us that a dominant offense can put multiple stars in the spotlight [Yahoo Sports].
Georgia QB Gunner Stockton (+3000): The Quiet Storm in Athens
- 179-of-258 passing, 2,040 yards, 15 touchdowns, 2 interceptions; 77 carries, 321 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns
Stockton’s surge has come at the perfect time for Georgia. Over his last three outings, he’s accounted for ten total TDs against SEC competition, spearheading the Bulldogs’ offense just as playoff intensity peaks. His ability to protect the football and produce with his legs gives him a versatile edge few QBs can match.
The narrative sets up perfectly: with games remaining against powerhouse Texas, in-state rival Georgia Tech, and a possible SEC Championship showdown looming, Stockton has the stage to deliver signature “Heisman moments.” His rapid ascension after stepping in for the injured Carson Beck mirrors stories of hardship and opportunity that voters love. Should Georgia remain in the playoff hunt, it’s hard to ignore his case.
Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love (+4000): Touchdown Machine Eyes Breakout
- 154 carries, 988 rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs; 24 catches, 254 yards, 3 receiving TDs
Jeremiyah Love enters the Heisman conversation as one of the country’s most consistent scorers. Since transferring from Miami, Love has found the end zone in eight straight games and has posted five multi-touchdown performances in that stretch. His eye-popping 228 yards and TD against USC—followed by big outings against Boston College and Navy—show just how much he means to the Notre Dame offense.
The challenge? While the top-ranked Heisman hopefuls may play up to four more games, Notre Dame is capped at three. For Love to force his way into finalist status, he’ll need a series of historic outings to close the season—think 200+ yards and multiple TDs against the likes of Pitt and in a possible bowl appearance.
Why the Long Shots Still Matter
The Heisman finalists aren’t just determined by statistics—they require moments that capture the collective imagination. Rivalry games, conference championships, and a sudden surge in national attention can all vault a player from the outside into downtown New York.
- Voters embrace “he’s hot now” narratives—sustained late-season dominance may matter more than early season consistency.
- Program pedigree plays a role: stars from Ohio State and Georgia often get more scrutiny and opportunity than those at lesser-known schools.
- Fan speculation is starting to boil: social media is alive with scenarios where a monster performance in Week 13 or a highlight-reel moment flips the race overnight.
For fans, it’s not just about who’s leading now—it’s about who will seize their chance in the spotlight. As the season barrels toward its conclusion, all eyes remain fixed on the favorites, but history tells us to keep tracking the long shots who may yet steal the show.
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