Heisman Trophy 2025: Ty Simpson and Carson Beck Lead Odds

This year’s Heisman Trophy race? Absolutely wild. Favorites have changed almost every week, and fans and bettors can’t seem to look away. Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Miami’s Carson Beck now sit at the top, both with tempting +350 odds to snag the award.

This post takes a look at where things stand, some of the performances moving the odds, and a bit of what the rest of the season might hold.

Ty Simpson’s Rise to the Top

Ty Simpson’s climb in the Heisman race has been something to watch. He started the season way back at +5000, especially after Alabama’s opening loss to Florida State.

Since then, he’s been on a steady rise. Alabama’s five-game win streak—beating teams like Georgia, Vanderbilt, and Missouri—has put him in the spotlight.

Key Performances

Against Missouri, Simpson only managed 200 yards, his lowest so far, but he still found ways to make an impact. He threw three touchdowns in that one, and on third and fourth downs, he went 7 for 9 for 96 yards and two scores.

For the season, he’s racked up 16 touchdown passes with just one interception. That kind of efficiency, especially under pressure, makes you take notice.

Carson Beck’s Consistent Excellence

Carson Beck from Miami has been right there with Simpson, holding steady among the favorites. Miami’s early wins over ranked teams like Notre Dame and South Florida certainly helped his case.

The Hurricanes had a bye last weekend, but Beck’s numbers are still eye-catching. He’s completed 73.4% of his passes, which puts him fifth in the country.

Leading the Hurricanes

Beck’s been the heartbeat of Miami’s strong start. His accuracy and leadership have kept the Hurricanes rolling, and he’s looking more and more like a real Heisman threat.

Fernando Mendoza: The Dark Horse

Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza sits just behind the leaders with +550 odds. His stock jumped after Indiana pulled off a big win at Oregon.

His numbers from that game weren’t huge—20 of 31 for 215 yards, a touchdown, and a pick-six—but over the season, he’s thrown 17 touchdowns to just two picks. Not flashy, but steady.

Impactful Wins

Mendoza led the Hoosiers to one of the season’s biggest upsets, and that’s kept him in the mix. He hasn’t had a 300-yard game yet, but his efficiency and Indiana’s high ranking help his case.

Ohio State’s Dual Threat

Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin, both from Ohio State, are hanging around with odds of +1400 and +1500. They’ve both played big roles in the Buckeyes’ strong season.

Jeremiah Smith’s Receiving Prowess

Smith has piled up 505 receiving yards and sits second nationally with seven touchdown catches. He’s been the go-to guy for big plays.

Julian Sayin’s Accuracy

Sayin, meanwhile, leads the country in completion percentage at 78.4%. His accuracy and quick decisions have been huge for Ohio State, especially with their schedule looking manageable.

Former Favorites on the Decline

A couple of early favorites have slipped. Oregon’s Dante Moore dropped to +1700 after throwing two picks and just 186 yards against Indiana.

Oklahoma’s John Mateer, who started as the favorite, now sits at +4000. He broke his thumb and just hasn’t looked the same in recent games.

Challenges and Setbacks

Moore and Mateer’s slides show just how unpredictable this race can be. Injuries and rough outings can shake up the odds in a hurry.

The Road Ahead

The regular season’s only halfway through, and things are still wide open. Simpson and Beck may be out front for now, but those +350 odds tell you nothing’s settled.