Fernando Mendoza takes over as king of the castle in latest Heisman Odds

The Indiana Hoosiers football program has not had a Heisman Trophy winner in their school history but that could all change this season.

Juniorsignal-caller Fernando Mendoza leads the pack and is consensus leader and front-runner to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy this season after a dominate 8 game stretch this season which has the Hoosiers 8-0 and No. 2 overall in the nation.

Through eight games he has amassed almost 2,000 passing yards along with 24 touchdowns and only three interceptions while posting a 73.2 percent completion percentage.

As Indiana moves to the top of the Big Ten entering their game against Maryland on Saturday, Mendoza and the Hoosiers look like they’ll be preparing for back-to-back college football playoff appearances. 

2025 Heisman Trophy odds via FanDuel

• Fernando Mendoza, +260
• Ty Simpson, +350
• Julian Sayin, +400
• Marcel Reed, +500
• Diego Pavia, +850

Here’s where Fernando Mendoza sits in the mix of Heisman race, according to several national outlets:

Sports Illustrated: Mendoza also trails Simpson in the Heisman race, according to SI: “The leader of the undefeated and second-ranked Hoosiers is the other top Heisman candidate as we currently stand. Mendoza accounted for four touchdowns as Indiana stomped on UCLA at home with a 56-6 win, which allowed him to end his day early and cheer on his brother, Alberto, who entered at quarterback. Sitting at 8-0, the Hoosiers are on the road for three of their final four regular-season games. Mendoza has proven he can lead Curt Cignetti’s program to even greater heights, highlighted by IU’s signature win at Oregon. The Cal transfer is scoring in bunches as he leads one of the best teams in the nation and certainly deserves his spot toward the top of Heisman conversations.”

Athlon Sports: Mendoza is the favorite – just ahead of Simpson – according to Athlon: “Mendoza compiled his fifth game with four or more total touchdowns in the Hoosiers’ third 50-point win of the year. Though he threw for a season-low 168 yards, the game was out of reach by halftime thanks to a suffocating defense and relentless run game. Mendoza helped build up a large enough lead for his younger brother, Alberto, to enter the game in the fourth quarter. The Heisman front-runner leads the nation in touchdown passes, and he ran for a season-high 45 yards and a score to shut the door on UCLA’s three-game winning streak.”

FoxSports.com: Mendoza is the current favorite, according to FOX: “Mendoza helped the second-ranked Hoosiers end the UCLA Bruins’ Cinderella run in a 56-6 blowout victory. He threw for 168 yards and three touchdowns through three quarters.”

The Athletic: A straw poll conducted by The Athletic has Mendoza as the favorite: “Fernando Mendoza’s 24 touchdown passes through eight games leads FBS quarterbacks. Most important on his resume: The Hoosiers are winning big with him at the controls. Indiana is 8-0 and ranked No. 2 as it enters a road swing over the next two weeks at Maryland and Penn State. Mendoza received 19 first-place votes, up from 14 a week ago, and he was named on 22 of 24 ballots with 63 points.”

Bleacher Report: Mendoza is a co-favorite alongside Simpson: “Gaudy box scores have become a norm for Fernando Mendoza, but he only managed 168 passing yards, 45 rushing and four touchdowns in a 56-6 obliteration of UCLA. He didn’t play in the fourth quarter. That’s a pretty awesome day to have qualified as only. Indiana is 8-0 with a trip to Maryland up next.”

On3: Mendoza is currently second in the Heisman race behind Simpson: “Mendoza accounted for four touchdowns for the second straight week and the fifth time this season. He did throw an interception, his third in the last four games, but he was otherwise very good. Indiana never really gave UCLA a chance in the game, jumping on them from the start. At this point, Mendoza is creeping up on the 2,000-yard mark passing, while he has 24 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Stellar stuff.”