As the college football season reaches its midpoint, the race for the Heisman Trophy is heating up—and the contenders might surprise you. ESPN has just released its midseason rankings, and the list is packed with both expected stars and a few dark horses. But here's where it gets controversial: some of these players are climbing the ranks despite early-season doubts, while others are holding steady despite fierce competition. And this is the part most people miss: the second half of the season often reshuffles the deck entirely, leaving room for unexpected heroes to emerge.
ESPN’s Bill Connelly unveiled the midseason standings in a recent article, using a Formula 1-style scoring system where the top performer each week earns 10 points, the second gets 9, and so on. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson currently leads the pack with 29 points, thanks to his stellar 70.9% completion rate, 279.7 yards per game, and 18 total touchdowns. But Connelly cautions, “Things are obviously still pretty uncertain” about who will ultimately hoist the trophy in December.
Here’s the full Top-10 (well, technically Top-11) breakdown:
Ty Simpson (Alabama QB) – 29 points: Simpson’s consistency has been key, especially after a crucial performance against Mizzou. But can he maintain this momentum against tougher opponents? Some critics argue his stats are inflated by Alabama’s powerhouse offense.
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Demond Williams (Washington QB) – 19 points: Williams skyrocketed up the rankings after a jaw-dropping 538-yard, 4-touchdown performance against Rutgers. But here’s the catch: Rutgers’ defense has been underwhelming. Is Williams truly Heisman material, or was this just a fluke?
Luke Altmyer (Illinois QB) – 16 points: Altmyer has been a steady force, even in a tough loss to Ohio State. However, his lone interception of the season came in that game, sparking debates about his ability to perform against elite defenses.
Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss QB) – 15 points: Stepping in for injured starter Austin Simmons, Chambliss has impressed but stumbled in a near-upset against Washington State. Is he a legitimate contender, or just a placeholder?
Jayden Maiava (USC QB) – 12 points: Maiava’s performance against No. 15 Michigan solidified his spot, but he’ll need to replicate that success in tougher matchups to stay in the conversation.
Jonah Coleman (Washington RB) – 10 points: Coleman’s 11 rushing touchdowns lead the nation, but running backs rarely win the Heisman. Can he defy the odds?
Nico Iamaleava (UCLA QB) – 10 points: A late bloomer, Iamaleava has led UCLA’s turnaround in October. However, his September struggles leave some wondering if he’s truly Heisman-worthy.
Fernando Mendoza (Indiana QB) – 10 points: Mendoza’s role in Indiana’s upset win over Oregon has turned heads, but can he sustain this level of play in a competitive Big Ten?
Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt QB) – 10 points: Pavia has been instrumental in Vanderbilt’s resurgence, but his inconsistency against top teams like Alabama raises doubts.
Sawyer Robertson (Baylor QB) – 10 points: Leading the nation in passing yards and touchdowns, Robertson is a statistical powerhouse. Yet, Baylor’s lack of national spotlight might hurt his chances.
The Big Question: With so many contenders and half the season left, who will rise to the top? And more importantly, does ESPN’s ranking system truly reflect who deserves the Heisman? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s debate!
