Heisman Trophy Race Intensifies with Big Ten Championship

The Heisman Trophy race is intensifying as the Big Ten Championship game approaches, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State's Julian Sayin leading the charge. Mendoza, the Hoosiers' quarterback, holds the top position at plus 160.

He finished the regular season undefeated, showcasing an impressive 80 percent completion rate and three touchdowns in a recent game against Purdue. Mendoza's narrative is compelling, but he must avoid any catastrophic performance in the championship game to secure the Heisman.

On the other hand, Sayin, who comes in at plus 170, had a solid showing in Ohio State's 27-9 victory over Michigan, completing 19 of 26 passes for three touchdowns. Despite his efficiency, he needs a standout moment in the championship to sway voters in his favor.

Currently, it appears to be a two-horse race between Mendoza and Sayin, with other candidates like Diego Pavia from Vanderbilt at plus 190 falling short due to lack of conference championships and national stage presence.

Pavia's impressive numbers and underdog narrative won’t be enough to eclipse the Big Ten quarterbacks. Jeremiyah Love, the running back from Notre Dame, was once in the discussion but suffered an injury against Stanford, effectively ending his Heisman hopes.

The competition now hinges on who can perform under the pressure of the championship weekend. Mendoza aims to maintain his lead with a steady performance, while Sayin must deliver a memorable moment to capture the trophy.

The Heisman Trophy will ultimately be decided on who commands the bigger stage and produces unforgettable highlights during the Big Ten Championship game. All eyes will be on the Indianapolis matchup where the stakes are higher than ever for these two quarterbacks, as the outcome will not only determine individual accolades but also highlight the significance of the Big Ten Conference in college football.