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That’s Debatable: Heisman finalists

Editors Wesley Euthon and Isaiah Yant make cases for their preferred Heisman winners
Publicity graphic courtesy of fair use from the Heisman organization
Publicity graphic courtesy of fair use from the Heisman organization
Introduction

At the end of every college football season, four players are selected to win the Heisman trophy, the most notable individual award a player can win. This award is given to the most outstanding athlete on the field, who has the stats and highlights to back up their case. As the regular season ends on the gridiron, speculations rise about who will lift the award this year.

Fair use image courtesy of roster images
The case for Julian Sayin

The Heisman Trophy seems to be a big success for many QBs since the year 2000, with 20 quarterbacks winning the award. This year seems to favor the quarterback position once again and truly it could go to any of the three quarterbacks nominated. From Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to their first outright conference title since 1945. Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, who led the Commodores to their first 10 win season in program history. Finally to my Heisman Trophy pick, Ohio State’s senior quarterback Julian Sayin who despite a loss in the conference championship game to Indiana he had an outstanding season with the highest completion percentage by any quarterback in a single season in college football history and he elevated his wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to finish 6th in Heisman finalist voting this year and also his other receiver Cornell Tate is a projected first round pick. The success of Sayin is clear not only for himself but his teammates because of his ability to move the ball with accuracy and precision, making him the Heisman winner.

Fair use image courtesy of roster images
Fair use image courtesy of roster images
The case for Jeremiyah Love

Looking at past Heisman winners, there have been many notable names who succeeded from their dominant rushing seasons, such as Barry Sanders, Reggie Bush, and many more. With a historical season, where he set a new Notre Dame single-season touchdown record with 21, a Notre Dame single-game record for rushing yards with 228, and much more, Junior Running Back Jeremiyah Love could potentially be one of those memorable Heisman winners from the backfield. Rushing for 1,372 yards with 18 rushing touchdowns, Love’s dominance running the ball was highlighted throughout the 2025-2026 season. He also showcased the duality in his playstyle, putting up 27 receptions for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging an efficient 10.4 yards per catch. This effort from Love contributed to a solid 10-2 record for the Fighting Irish, in what was thought to be another potential playoff season. Despite not making it, Love’s leadership throughout his years with Notre Dame is what many teams need to win. Recently being declared a Heisman finalist, Love stands out in the nominee class, as he is the only running back among three quarterbacks. It is safe to say that Jeremiyah Love’s season with the Fighting Irish is one to remember, and winning the Heisman will not only make his season more memorable, but also one that his highlighted amongst other all-time performances from the backfield. 

Fair use image courtesy of roster images
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