The Heisman Trophy race has taken an unexpected turn following an eventful Week 7 of the college football season, marked by significant upsets. Miami’s Carson Beck, who had a bye week, has ascended to the top position, while Oregon's Dante Moore, the previous front-runner, saw his odds plummet after a loss. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State's Julian Sayin emerged as strong contenders with impressive performances. Alabama's Ty Simpson maintained his relevance with critical plays despite modest statistics, underscoring the dynamic nature of the race.

By the Numbers
  • Carson Beck boasts a 73.4 completion percentage, ranking third among ACC quarterbacks.
  • Ty Simpson threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns in Alabama's victory over Missouri.
  • Fernando Mendoza completed 20 of 31 passes for 215 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as Indiana beat Oregon 30-20.
  • Julian Sayin leads the Big Ten in completion percentage at 80.2%.
State of Play
  • Carson Beck remains a strong contender despite not playing this week.
  • Fernando Mendoza’s performance against Oregon has significantly raised his Heisman profile.
  • Ty Simpson guided Alabama to a crucial win, reinforcing his candidacy.
  • Julian Sayin continues to show consistent performance as Ohio State's starter.
What's Next

With Miami set to play Louisville next, Carson Beck will have the chance to solidify his lead in the Heisman race. The competition among Mendoza, Simpson, and Sayin will intensify as the season progresses, especially with impactful matchups ahead. Potential standout performances could drastically shift the current standings in the coming weeks.

Bottom Line

The Heisman Trophy race is wide open, with emerging candidates shaking up the leaderboard. Carson Beck's consistent performance will be critical to maintaining his lead, while Mendoza and Simpson are poised to continue making their marks. Fans should expect a thrilling contest as the season unfolds, leading to more surprises.