Heisman Watch 2025: Ranks Shift, Sayin Climbs

**Heisman Race Heats Up: Sayin Soars, Dart Holds Top Spot After Week 11**

**NEW YORK, NY – November 17, 2025** – With just weeks remaining in the 2025 college football regular season, the Heisman Trophy watch has intensified significantly after the tenth full Saturday of play. The race for college football’s most coveted individual award is seeing dramatic shifts, with Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin making a substantial leap, climbing from fourth to a commanding second on the latest Heisman watch lists.

The top spot, for now, remains firmly in the grasp of Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. The veteran signal-caller has consistently delivered for the undefeated (10-0) Rebels, showcasing elite accuracy and playmaking ability that has propelled Ole Miss to a likely College Football Playoff contender spot. Dart’s impressive season stat line, boasting over 3,000 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, along with several key rushing scores, makes him the player to beat heading into the crucial final stretch.

However, Sayin’s meteoric rise is the story of the week. The Buckeyes’ sophomore sensation capitalized on a standout performance against then-No. 7 Penn State, throwing for 385 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 45-21 victory that solidified No. 2 Ohio State’s (10-0) perfect record. Sayin, who has quietly compiled a remarkable debut season as starter, now has 2,870 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and has shown a knack for clutch plays, establishing himself as a legitimate dual-threat contender. His strong showing has vaulted him past several established stars and into a prime position to challenge Dart.

Rounding out a compelling top five, another Ohio State standout, safety Caleb Downs, continues to make a powerful case, defying the odds for a defensive player. Downs, a junior, is inarguably the nation’s most impactful defensive force, with seven interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 90 tackles, and countless game-changing plays for a Buckeyes defense that leads the Big Ten in scoring. His inclusion in the top five is a testament to his rare talent and highlights the potential for a defensive Heisman winner, a feat achieved only once in modern history by Charles Woodson in 1997.

Arizona’s dynamic wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan, also holds a spot in the elite group. The senior wideout has been a consistent threat, leading the nation with 1,320 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns for a surprising 8-2 Wildcats squad. His highlight-reel catches and consistent production, often single-handedly lifting Arizona’s offense, keep him firmly in the conversation.

Meanwhile, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders experienced a notable slip this week, falling from second to fifth. Sanders’ Heisman momentum took a hit following a tough 27-24 loss to No. 16 Utah, where he threw two crucial interceptions, marking a rare stumble for the typically composed senior. Despite the setback, Sanders’ overall season numbers – including over 3,100 passing yards and 28 touchdowns – ensure he remains a threat, particularly if Colorado (7-3) can rebound strongly in its final games.

Just outside the immediate top group, several other perennial contenders are still very much on people’s radar as potential dark horses. Georgia’s veteran quarterback Carson Beck continues to lead the No. 3 Bulldogs (9-1) with poise and efficiency, maintaining his reputation as one of the country’s most reliable passers. His teammate, safety Malaki Starks, similar to Downs, is another defensive playmaker whose consistent brilliance for a dominant Georgia defense could still garner significant attention in the final weeks.

The coming weeks promise even more fireworks, with several critical matchups that could serve as “Heisman moments” for these elite athletes. The Heisman Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), will be presented on December 14, 2025, in New York City. As the regular season winds down, the performances in rivalry games and conference championships will undoubtedly shape the final ballots for the 91st Heisman Trophy presentation. Sports fans can track official standings and commentary across major sports outlets like ESPN, CBS Sports, and Heisman.com.