B/R's 2025 Heisman Trophy Rankings after Week 5

Not only did Week 5 shake up the Top 25, the Heisman Trophy race has a different feel entering the second month of the 2025 college football season.

And the first bombshell had nothing to do with a result.

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer—the early favorite for the award—underwent a procedure on his throwing hand, sidelining him for about a month. As a result, he's really not a factor in the Heisman discussion any longer.

Then, the games started. Three marquee wins propped up contenders, even including one QB who recently entered the lineup because of an injury.

The tiers are subjective yet based on historical voting trends, such as individual production and team success.

Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech

It was a nerve-wracking day, but Georgia Tech survived its trip to Wake Forest with an overtime win. Haynes King passed 243 yards, rushed for 106 and totaled three touchdowns. He missed one earlier game due to injury but still has 1,138 offensive yards and 10 scores for the 5-0 team. Tech has an open weekend ahead.

Jeremiyah Love, QB, Notre Dame

Along with quarterback CJ Carr, Jeremiyah Love has hopped into the fringe of the Heisman conversation. Love generated 127 scrimmage yards and scored four times in the rout of Arkansas, boosting his season totals to 490 and eight, respectively. Notre Dame hosts Boise State on Saturday.

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Through one month, Julian Sayin lacks a signature game or moment. Nevertheless, he's been extremely reliable for top-ranked Ohio State with a nation-best 78.8 completion rate and 10.0 yards per attempt. Sayin has thrown for 987 yards and 10 touchdowns to three interceptions.

Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia

After a standout performance in the comeback win at Tennessee, Gunner Stockton had a rough evening in the loss to Alabama. He managed 130 passing yards at a modest 6.5 per attempt, adding only 22 yards on the ground. Stockton has plenty to prove now, although future home games against Ole Miss and Texas provide a whole lot of opportunity to make a national statement.

Carson Beck, QB, Miami

Idle in Week 5, Carson Beck and the 'Canes are back on Saturday for a trip to rival Florida State. Protecting the ball is crucial for Beck, who's dealt with turnover issues in marquee games dating back to last season at Georgia. Winning is most important for Miami, but a strong showing from Beck would help his candidacy, too.

Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M

Auburn made it difficult on Marcel Reed, sacking him four times and neutralizing his mobility. However, he threw for 207 yards while the Aggies clipped AU 16-10 to stay unbeaten. Texas A&M hosts a feisty Mississippi State squad in Week 6.

Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt

So far, the competition level has been relatively low. That's a real factor. Also, the Commodores boast a 5-0 record and the nation's No. 4 scoring offense thanks to Diego Pavia. He just wrecked Utah State for 400 total yards and six touchdowns in a blowout win, setting up a narrative-shaping clash at 10th-ranked Alabama.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Reputation is doing a moderate lift for Jeremiah Smith, whose production isn't far and away the country's best at his position. At the same time, he's been excellent lately. Smith notched eight receptions for 81 yards and a score in OSU's recent win at Washington, and the Buckeyes host Minnesota this weekend.

Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss

Despite being a new addition, Trinidad Chambliss has rocketed to the second tier. I mean, why would he not? Suddenly the QB1 of a national threat, Chambliss just totaled 385 yards in a 24-19 victory over then-No. 4 LSU. In three starts so far, that was his lowest yardage output. The transfer from Ferris State has made it incredibly difficult for Ole Miss to put Austin Simmons (ankle) back in the lineup when healthy. That decision is awaiting Lane Kiffin after an idle Saturday.

Joey Aguilar, QB, Tennessee

Mississippi State gave the Volunteers all they could handle, and Joey Aguilar tossed two interceptions. Still, he provided a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter and totaled 356 yards with two touchdowns during the 41-34 overtime win. Aguilar has guided UT to a 4-1 start entering its first open weekend.

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Lose to Georgia, and Ty Simpson is merely on the periphery of the Heisman race. Put up 288 yards and three touchdowns in a road triumph at UGA? Well, that's reason for a Tier 1 ascent. Simpson has totaled 1,195 yards with 13 scores and zero turnovers this season. Vandy is coming to Tuscaloosa this weekend, and it's another chance for Simpson to bolster his resume.

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Whew, disaster avoided. On the heels of the epic annihilation over Illinois, IU nearly lost at Iowa. Fortunately for the Hoosiers, Fernando Mendoza capped his 259-yard afternoon with a 49-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Indiana has an open Saturday to prepare for a showdown at Oregon.

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Speaking of the Ducks, they're also headed for an open weekend. It's a well-deserved rest for Oregon, which beat Penn State 30-24 in overtime as Dante Moore passed for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Between that performance and Mateer's injury, Moore enters October as the Heisman favorite.