Who Won the Heisman Trophy in 2025? Full Results and Analysis

Who won the Heisman Trophy in 2025 was decided on December 13 in New York City. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza claimed college football’s top individual honor after leading the Hoosiers to an unbeaten season and a Big Ten title.

The announcement capped a remarkable year for Indiana football. Mendoza became the first Hoosiers quarterback to win the award, finishing well ahead of a crowded but inconsistent field.

Who Won the Heisman Trophy: Fernando Mendoza’s Defining Case

Who won the Heisman Trophy was settled by performance in the biggest moments. Mendoza finished first in the official 2025 Heisman Trophy voting with 2,362 points and 643 first-place votes, according to results released in New York.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia finished second, followed by Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin placed fourth after falling short in the Big Ten Championship.

Mendoza’s résumé was built on control, efficiency, and late-game execution. Indiana went undefeated and earned the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, a critical factor in the voting.

Two throws defined his season. The first came on November 8 against Penn State at Beaver Stadium. Indiana trailed late, and Mendoza engineered an 80-yard drive, capped by a touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. on third-and-goal.

The second came in the Big Ten Championship Game on December 6 in Indianapolis. Facing third-and-six deep in Indiana territory late in the fourth quarter, Mendoza hit Charlie Becker for a 33-yard gain against Ohio State’s top-ranked defense.

That conversion effectively sealed the conference title. It also solidified Mendoza’s status as the most valuable player on the nation’s top team.

Statistically, Mendoza did not post historic totals compared with past winners. His case rested on situational excellence, leadership, and winning at the highest level.

Associated Press and Reuters coverage emphasized the same theme. Mendoza delivered when the season demanded it most.

Why the 2025 Heisman Race Tilted Toward One Player

The broader Heisman race lacked a dominant challenger. Jeremiyah Love produced a strong season for Notre Dame but did not redefine the running back position in 2025.

Pavia energized Vanderbilt and drew national attention. However, his résumé lacked a defining win against a playoff-level opponent.

Sayin impressed at Ohio State but fell short in the conference title game. That loss weighed heavily with voters.

In contrast, Mendoza was the constant. Indiana’s offense remained composed in close games, and the Hoosiers never lost.

The Heisman Trophy has long favored quarterbacks from elite teams. Mendoza fit that profile while adding signature moments that voters could not ignore.

Who won the Heisman Trophy in 2025 was ultimately clear. Fernando Mendoza made Indiana the best team in college football, and the voters followed the results.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who won the Heisman Trophy in 2025?

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy. He received the most first-place votes and led an undefeated Big Ten champion.

Q2: When was the 2025 Heisman Trophy awarded?

The ceremony took place on December 13, 2025. It was held in New York City at Lincoln Center.

Q3: Who finished second in Heisman Trophy voting?

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia finished second. He was followed by Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

Q4: What moments defined Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman season?

Late touchdown drives against Penn State and Ohio State defined his case. Both plays came under pressure in high-stakes games.

Q5: Is Fernando Mendoza Indiana’s first Heisman winner?

Yes. Mendoza is the first Indiana quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy.