Heisman Trophy Watch: RG3 Names Fernando Mendoza top contender for prestigious award

How will IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza handle the pressure of the Heisman Hype this Saturday at Oregon?
Sep 27, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Sep 27, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

FOX Sports college football analyst Robert Griffin III released his weekly updated Top 10 Heisman front-runners this week on his podcast, "Outta Pocket With RGIII".

Here is a complete look at RG III's Heisman favorites heading into Week 6 of the college football season, that includes a new quarterback at the top spot this week:

RG3'S Heisman Front Runners after Week 6

1. Julian Sayin OSU
2. Dante Moore Oregon
3. Ahmad Hardy Missouri
4. Trinidad Chambliss Ole Mis
5. Fernando Mendoza Indiana
6. Carson Beck Miami
7. Ty Simpson Alabama
8. Joey Aguilar Tennessee
9. Sawyer Robertson Baylor
10. Josh Hoover TCU

As mentioned above, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is a top five Heisman candidate coming in at No. 5. Mendoza is coming off a bye week but has a tremendous game to boost his Heisman Trophy stock when his No. 8 Indiana takes on No. 3. Oregon this Saturday in a top ten clash on the road at Autzen Stadium.

Mendoza, a potential first overall pick in this year's upcoming 2026 NFL Draft has meshed extremely well with offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and quarterback coach Chandler Whitmer in their first year together in Bloomington, and his teammates love his leadership, skill and passion which is why Mendoza has been one of the best transfers this season.

The junior signal-caller is second (FBS) in passing touchdowns with 15 and is second nationally in completion percentage at 76.8% and leads the nation in quarterback rating (206.16) in the 2025 season. Mendoza has also ran for 76 yards and added two scores on the ground in Indiana's 5-0 start.

Miami Hurricanes senior quarterback Carson Beck passed Oregon’s Dante Moore as the favorite on Fanduel with +500 odds. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is third in the odds at +800. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith sits a No.4 with (+850) and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is fifth ahead of Smith's teammate Julian Sayin at (+1300) per Fanduel

Robert Griffin III knows a few things about the Heisman Trophy of course as he won the prestigious college football award while attending Baylor. RGIII attended Baylor from 2008-2011, winning the Heisman his senior season along with the Davey O'Brien, Maxwell, AP and Sporting News National Player of The Year.

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