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The Heisman Trophy race remains wide open after Week 9, with several standout quarterbacks still in contention. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza continues to lead the pack after guiding the Hoosiers past red-hot UCLA, while Alabama's Ty Simpson and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin are on Mendoza's heels and have their teams in the national title hunt. Here’s a look at our 2025 Heisman Watch following the ninth full Saturday of the season. Mendoza helped the second-ranked Hoosiers end the UCLA Bruins' Cinderella run in a 56-6 blowout victory. He threw for 168 yards and three touchdowns through three quarters. Simpson and No. 4 Alabama narrowly avoided a disastrous upset, escaping with a 29-22 win over South Carolina. The Crimson Tide quarterback threw a game-tying touchdown pass to Germie Bernard with 2:16 left in the fourth quarter, and moments later, led the game-winning touchdown drive. Sayin and the top-ranked Buckeyes were on a bye this week. They will host Penn State in Week 10. Reed helped the Aggies stay unbeaten with a 49-25 win over No. 20 LSU, throwing for 202 yards and two touchdowns while adding 108 yards and a score on the ground. Pavia entered the Heisman Trophy conversation after leading No. 10 Vanderbilt to a win over No. 15 Missouri, the Commodores' second straight victory against a ranked opponent. He had the game-winning rushing touchdown with 1:52 to play to extend Vanderbilt's best start in more than 80 years. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
