Midseason Heisman Watch: ESPN's Top 10 Contenders for College Football's Top Honor (2025)

ESPN's Midseason Heisman Trophy Contenders: A Deep Dive

The college football season is halfway through, and ESPN has released its midseason rankings for the Heisman Trophy contenders. With Week 7 in the books, it's time to take a closer look at the players who have accumulated the most points in ESPN's voting system. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 contenders, with a focus on the players and their impressive performances.

1. Ty Simpson, Alabama

   • Points: 29
   • Performance: Simpson's consistent excellence has him in the lead. With a 70.9% completion rate, 279.7 passing yards per game, 18 touchdowns, and only two turnovers, he's a strong contender. His team's remaining schedule, including big games, could further solidify his position.

2. Taylen Green, Arkansas

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   • Points: 22
   • Performance: Green's performance against Tennessee earned him seven points, despite a three-point loss. With a 63% completion rate, 359.7 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven turnovers, he's on pace for a career-best campaign and a strong Heisman case.

3. Demond Williams, Washington

   • Points: 19
   • Performance: Williams' incredible outing against Rutgers, with a 77.8% completion rate and 538 total yards, earned him 10 points. His performance against a struggling defense is a testament to his skill, and he's a rising star in the Heisman race.

4. Luke Altmyer, Illinois

   • Points: 16
   • Performance: Despite a loss to Ohio State, Altmyer's performance was solid. With a 72.4% completion rate, 260.1 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and one interception, he remains a top-five contender.

5. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

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   • Points: 15
   • Performance: Chambliss' emergence as a starter has been impressive. With a 65.4% completion rate, 261.1 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and two turnovers, he's a strong contender despite a recent loss.

6. Jayden Maiava, USC

   • Points: 12
   • Performance: Maiava's performance against Michigan showcased his talent. With a 78.1% completion rate, 265 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, he's a rising star and a potential Heisman contender.

7. Jonah Coleman, Washington

   • Points: 10
   • Performance: Coleman's performance against Rutgers was impressive, but he took a backseat to Williams. With 126 total yards per game and 11 rushing scores, he's a strong contender and a key part of Washington's success.

8. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA

   • Points: 10
   • Performance: Iamaleava's turnaround with a new playcaller has been remarkable. With a 68.8% completion rate, 173 passing yards, and five touchdowns, he's a rising star and a potential Heisman contender.

9. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

   • Points: 10
   • Performance: Mendoza's performance against Oregon earned him an honorable mention. With a 64.5% completion rate, 215 yards, a touchdown, and one interception, he's a rising star and a potential Heisman contender.

10. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

    • Points: 10
    • Performance: Pavia's performance against Alabama was a setback, but his overall season has been impressive. With 293.5 total yards and 16 touchdowns, he's a strong contender and a key part of Vanderbilt's turnaround.