Heisman Finalists Revealed: Which Star Will Claim College Football’s Most Coveted Prize?

When the buzz of college football season reaches a fever pitch, nothing sparks more debate and excitement than the announcement of the Heisman finalists — and this year, the lineup is nothing short of electric. Picture this: Notre Dame’s dynamic running back Jeremiyah Love, Indiana’s sharp-eyed quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt’s record-smashing signal-caller Diego Pavia, and Ohio State’s dominant playmaker Julian Sayin all vying for college football’s most prestigious honor. Each of these athletes has carved their own path of greatness, thrilling fans and rewriting their school histories along the way. They’re not just names on a ballot; they’re stories of grit, determination, and jaw-dropping stats that had us all glued to the field this season. With the ceremony set for Saturday night in New York City, the anticipation is off the charts — who will rise, who will fall, and what legacy will be cemented forever? Dive into the full scoop and savor every electrifying detail. LEARN MORE

NEW YORK — Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin are the finalists for the Heisman Trophy given to the top player in college football.

The Heisman Trophy Trust announced the four finalists Monday night who are invited to New York for the award presentation Saturday night.

Love is fourth in the Bowl Subdivision in yards rushing (1,372), fifth in per-game average (114.33) and third with 18 rushing touchdowns for the ninth-ranked Fighting Irish, who missed out on a College Football Playoff bid and opted not to play in a bowl game.

Mendoza has guided the Hoosiers to their first No. 1 ranking and the top seed in the 12-team CFP bracket, throwing for 2,980 yards and a national-best 33 touchdown passes while also running for six scores.

He is the second Heisman finalist in school history, joining 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. Mendoza is the seventh Indiana player to earn a top-10 finish and it marks another first in program history — having back-to-back players in the top 10. Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke was ninth last year.

Pavia has thrown for a school-record 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns for the No. 13 Commodores. He is the first Heisman finalist in Vanderbilt history.

Sayin led the Buckeyes to a No. 1 ranking for most of the season, throwing for 3,329 yards while tying for second in the country with 31 TD passes.