In a world in which quarterbacks and running backs dominate Heisman charts, Travis Hunter flew against the wind. The feat was so historical that there are just 2 players (including him) who have won the Heisman playing a defensive end. The other was Charles Woodson in 1997. The young prodigy broke all major records and is looking to provide the same vigor in the NFL. Not many players can match Hunter’s prowess and abilities in 2025. But still, players like Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier dominate the charts and are being touted to be Heisman contenders of 2025. Are they the only ones?
Well, there are other players who can make that list and are being touted to do so, for that matter. But Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier are undoubtedly the standouts. Manning, who not only threw close to 1,000 yards in his limited appearances last season, also has the famed family name to back him up and create the hype. On the other hand, there is Garrett, who had a 4,000+ yard season for LSU, including 29 touchdowns. So, in that sense, numbers back Nussmeier pretty well. However, in a recent revelation, Penn State legend Adam Breneman provided a name that will just leave you scratching your head.
The former Penn State tight end and now a CBS analyst, while acknowledging Garrett and Arch Manning’s prowess, provided the unexpected name. “I’m trying to give you someone you haven’t heard yet, someone that’s completely fine under the radar and is Kurtis Rourke’s replacement at Indiana. It’s Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza is 6’5 with a huge arm and had 3,000 yards at California last season. I like anybody in Curt Cignetti’s (Indiana head coach) offense, but I’m especially excited to see what Mendoza does in this system in 2025.”
Well, of course, Fernando Mendoza is a name we haven’t heard with that much hype, maybe because of California’s appalling last season or maybe because ACC teams don’t have that pull now. But, if numbers are to be believed, then this is a guy who looks to have immense potential. Last season may not have brought acclaim for California (6-7 finish), but the gates of excellence sure opened for Mendoza, which took him to one of the Big 10’s top teams of 2024, Indiana. A season where he produced 3,004 yards at an impressive rate of 68.7% for 16 touchdowns. And a respectable rushing season, too, with 2 touchdowns and 105 yards. This is a player who looks like a real deal for a team like the Hoosiers, who broke numerous records last season.
For starters, this is a team that looked possessed as they steamrolled opponents like they were playing in their backyard. Under Cignetti, their new coach, the team made their first 10-0 season in their history and made it to the playoffs for the first time ever. So, all in all, it looks like Mendoza will be going to a team that still has the momentum to carry their exploits of the previous season into 2025. Rourke has now lost eligibility, and to be honest, Mendoza doesn’t look bad when compared against Rourke’s final season. Now, the only thing Mendoza needs is to deliver and grab that Heisman at last. But then, there are some lesser-known prospects other than Mendoza, too.
Other players challenging Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier
Well, we all know and must have heard the seasons that DJ Lagway and John Mateer had in their 2024 season. But, for the less versed, DJ Lagway, the Gators QB, finished with close to 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in just his freshman season. So, in that sense, his ceiling is quite high. Then there is John Mateer, who just transferred to Oklahoma on the back of a season of more than 3,000 passing yards at an efficiency of 64.6%, scoring 29 touchdowns (passing) for Washington State. Adam Breneman touted these two players as other low-profile contenders for the Heisman.
“One name I can’t stop thinking about is DJ Lagway at Florida. He’s got all the physical tools, and Billy Napier’s offenses are built to showcase a quarterback like him. If he takes control early in Florida and makes noise in the SEC, he’s going to be in the conversation, trust me. Another guy, John Mateer. Most people don’t realize he put up 44 touchdowns last year at Washington State. If he does that again at Oklahoma in the SEC, he’s probably leading the Heisman conversation with that adeptness”.
Well, that might be the case, but there are still questions being raised about Mateer’s transition to a big conference like SEC. Then there is DJ Lagway, who had several games last season and won them all, including the bowl game against Tulane. Still, there are questions about the player being a bit inconsistent with his passes. That being said, both players look well-oiled and have the required setup to achieve Heisman glory.
Billy Napier’s class has some very good additions, like Vernell Brown III (WR) and Dallas Wilson (WR), who can provide that support to Lagway. Sooners, too, have roped in 5 transfers in the receiver department, so John Mateer will have ample support in that area. Now it is to be seen which QB comes out on top and leads his team to greater glory in 2025, thus sealing his place for the Heisman.
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