Who are the Leading Heisman Contenders?

The 2025 Heisman Trophy frontrunners, heading into championship week, are primarily quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) and Julian Sayin (Ohio State), often neck-and-neck in betting odds, with Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia also a strong contender, followed by players like Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love.

Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)

Mendoza is widely regarded as the frontrunner currently.  As of December 4, 2025, many online casinos list him at +160 to win the Heisman — the shortest among players still in active contention. Over the regular season, he registered ~2,758 passing yards, 32 passing TDs, just 5 interceptions, plus significant rushing production — giving him a combined 38 total TDs. His team (Indiana Hoosiers) finished the regular season undefeated, which tends to boost Heisman credibility. 

Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State)

Sayin remains the top challenger — many recent odds boards show him as a co-favorite or just slightly behind Mendoza. As of early December, some odds list him around +210. His statistical profile is strong: high completion rate, excellent passing efficiency, and consistency — traits voters often reward. If his team (Ohio State Buckeyes) performs well in the postseason — especially in conference championship or playoff games — that could significantly boost his Heisman case.

Diego Pavia (QB, Vanderbilt)

Pavia has surged lately and is often listed among the top 3–4 contenders. One recent odds board puts him at +175, just behind Mendoza and Sayin. He put up solid numbers this season, helping his team (Vanderbilt Commodores) stay competitive — which matters a lot for Heisman voting. That said — compared with Mendoza and Sayin — Pavia may have a tougher path because Vanderbilt doesn’t always play in the same spotlight.

Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)

Love is the top non-quarterback still with a realistic shot, though farther behind. Some boards show his odds at +5000. His rushing production has been impressive — which always draws attention when a RB posts huge numbers. Historically, though, quarterbacks have dominated the Heisman race, so while Love is a compelling dark horse, he faces an uphill climb.

What About Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) — or Other Defensive Players?

You mentioned “Reuben Bain,” but — as of the most recent betting and public odds boards — top Heisman conversations revolve almost exclusively around offensive players (QBs and a standout RB). I found no credible source that lists Bain among the leading favorites to win the Heisman in 2025.

Some fans and commentators on forums and social media have floated his name — often praising his defensive dominance — but that hasn’t translated into bookie odds, which tend to shape mainstream “favorite lists.” For example:

“Bain… has been the most outstanding player in college football this season.”

But those are fan opinions, not reflected in supported odds or analyst projections.

Bottom line: while defenders occasionally get hype, modern Heisman winners are rarely — if ever — defensive players. Right now, Bain isn’t viewed by most sportsbooks or analysts as a serious contender.