Miami, Florida – Half of the thrilling college football season is in the books, with the latest slate affecting the Lemon City Live 2025 Heisman Watchlist. Around this time, the race becomes tighter with some names rising and others fading, never to recover. For those on the outside looking in, the opportunities to catch up remain but start to dwindle with each passing week. Glancing around the leagues, fans were in for a treat this past weekend.
Top-ranked Ohio State took care of No. 17 Illinois 34-16 while fourth-ranked Ole Miss squeaked by Washington State 24-21. Elsewhere, seventh-ranked Indiana won the battle in Eugene, defeating the No. 3 Oregon Ducks 30-20, resulting in a spot opening up in the Heisman power rankings. Fifth-ranked Texas A&M beat Florida 34-17, and eighth-ranked Alabama hung on to beat No. 14 Missouri in a 27-24 thriller. The upsets continued with Archie Manning and the Texas Longhorns taking down sixth-ranked Oklahoma despite the return of John Mateer, who threw three interceptions. When it comes to the Heisman, Dante Moore stumbles out of the list, replaced by a certain someone from Ohio State. Outside of that, the group remains generally the same, with some members switching positions.
Carson Beck
Another week, another statement from Carson Beck.
🙌 @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/HJ1TcPo5V1
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 8, 2025
Previous Ranking: 1
I try not to move anyone (much) during their bye week, but Carson Beck came close to falling off the top of the perch. With the second bye week over, the Hurricanes strap themselves in for seven straight contests starting with a home game versus Louisville. Presently, there are no ranked opponents in the schedule, and it’s likely the road game at SMU is the last chance to produce a good resume. Assuming you count out the visit to Blacksburg against Virginia Tech.
Ty Simpson
GO up for it 4️⃣@d1danny3
📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/XMyOqH0jGc
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 11, 2025
Previous Ranking: 3
He barely missed the number one spot. Ty Simpson made his case, throwing for 200 yards and three touchdowns, including one to former Hurricane Isaiah Horton. If anyone was wondering whether Simpson is an upgrade over Jalen Milroe, I think it’s safe to say he is. With 1,678 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and one interception, he is the premier SEC QB heading into Week 8.
Fernando Mendoza
BACK SHOULDER ON THE MONEY@IndianaFootball retakes the lead late 👀
CBS | Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/3PTSh0zZ6u
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 11, 2025
Previous Ranking: 4
Kudos to Fernando Mendoza for outdueling Dante Moore. I actually thought Oregon would win. However, Indiana had something to say, and the Hoosiers’ defense did so in impressive fashion, winning the turnover battle, which provided Mendoza with the extra possessions needed. Fernando aired out the pigskin for 215 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. He’s thrown for 1,423 yards, including 17 TDs and two interceptions. Mendoza looks like a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
Julian Sayin
It was only a matter of time until Jeremiah Smith scored 😤@OhioStateFB is running away with it in Champaign pic.twitter.com/XIq9RHB6A5
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
Previous Ranking: NR
Buckeyes fans are saying it’s about time. The LCL Heisman Power Rankings warmly welcome Ohio State QB Julian Sayin. The signal caller completed 19 of 27 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns against the Fighting Illini, raising his total to 1,479 passing yards, 15 TDs, and three picks. The rest of the schedule isn’t crazy, so we should see more of Super Sayin around here, although that’s why the games are played, aren’t they?
Rueben Bain Jr.
Tommy Castellanos SWARMED!!! pic.twitter.com/tZqiDRHsJ6
— Grant Speaks (@GrantSpeaks1) October 5, 2025
Previous Ranking: 5
Not only does Carson Beck return, but so does Rueben Bain. The Cardiac Canes should be well rested as the ACC schedule rolls on versus the Cardinals. The defense should remain in attack mode, and a repeat performance seen at FSU can happen at the Hard Rock Friday night, sans the late-game sloppiness.
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