As the college football season reaches its midpoint, the race for the Heisman Trophy is heating up, and ESPN has just unveiled its midseason Top-10 contenders. But here's where it gets controversial: some of these names might surprise you, while others are just beginning to make their case. Could a dark horse candidate emerge in the second half? Let’s dive into the rankings and explore the stories behind these standout players.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson leads the pack with 29 points, thanks to his consistent performances, including a solid outing against Mizzou. With a 70.9% completion rate, 279.7 yards per game, and 18 total touchdowns, Simpson is setting the pace. But this is the part most people miss: the second half of the season often carries more weight in Heisman voting, so can he maintain his lead?
Arkansas QB Taylen Green sits at No. 2 with 22 points, a surprising contender who’s on track for a career-best season. His 359.7 total yards per game and 17 touchdowns have made him a rare bright spot for the Razorbacks. Yet, will his seven turnovers come back to haunt him?
Washington QB Demond Williams burst onto the scene with a 10-point week after a stellar performance against Rutgers, totaling 538 yards and four touchdowns. But here’s the question: was this a one-time breakout, or is Williams the real deal?
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer (16 points) has been a steady force, even in a loss to Ohio State, while Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss (15 points) has stepped up in the absence of Austin Simmons. However, Chambliss’s near-upset loss to Washington State raises doubts—can he keep his Heisman hopes alive?
USC QB Jayden Maiava (12 points) continues to impress under Lincoln Riley, but his interception against Michigan might be a red flag. Meanwhile, Washington RB Jonah Coleman (10 points) shares the spotlight with Williams, proving the Huskies’ backfield is a force to be reckoned with.
UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza have both earned 10 points after recent turnarounds for their teams. Iamaleava’s October resurgence and Mendoza’s role in Indiana’s historic win over Oregon have put them on the map. But can they sustain this momentum?
Rounding out the list are Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia and Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson, both with 10 points. Pavia’s leadership in Vandy’s turnaround and Robertson’s nation-leading passing stats make them intriguing contenders. Yet, will their teams’ overall performance hold them back?
Bold Prediction: The second half of the season will shake up this list dramatically. Who do you think will rise to the top? And which player here is being overrated? Let’s debate in the comments!
