Heisman Trophy Predictions & Odds 2025: Fernando Mendoza Back on Top

• Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) remains the betting favorite, with the Big Ten Championship vs. Ohio State now likely deciding his Heisman fate

• Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State) is neck-and-neck with Mendoza after a dominant finish to the regular season, holding the second spot

• Diego Pavia (QB, Vanderbilt) surged into the top three, capitalizing on a stellar run of all-around performances to secure a probable trip to New York

Heisman Trophy Odds

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Create an account at Caesars with our promo code WSN20X and claim the promo offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Next 20 Bets.

Rest of the candidates listed at +50000 odds and higher.

Heisman Trophy Winner - My Pick

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (+125) at Caesars Sportsbook

Fernando Mendoza is a strong Heisman candidate because he is the star quarterback leading an undefeated, nationally ranked Indiana team, which gives him a powerful "program-elevation" narrative. He is the betting favorite and his case is cemented by elite statistics—a nation-leading 32 passing touchdowns and a 72.0% completion rate—along with a signature "Heisman moment" where he engineered a thrilling game-winning drive in the final seconds at Penn State.

The winner of the upcoming Big Ten Championship against Ohio State will likely take the trophy, putting Mendoza in a high-stakes spotlight to seal the award.

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How to Bet on the Heisman Trophy Odds

The only way to bet on the Heisman Trophy winner is to wager on the Heisman Trophy futures betting market. This is a prominent market that changes almost daily, especially when the season is in progress.

Additionally, you can wager on your favorite players for the Heisman Trophy every week with their player props. For example, if you wanted to bet on LaNorris Sellers, you could wager on his rushing yards. 

How to Read Heisman Trophy Odds

When reading odds for the Heisman Trophy, you’ll come across those labeled with a “+” and some with a “-.”

Typically, “+” indicates the underdog, whereas “-” indicates a favorite. If all players are “+,” then the player with the lowest number is considered the favorite. Conversely, if all players are “-,” the player with the highest number is considered the favorite. 

Here’s how to best interpret betting odds: 

• With “-” odds, you must wager the amount associated with the odds to win $100. For example, if a player is -150 to win the Heisman Trophy, you must wager $150 to win $100. 

• With “+” odds, you’ll win the amount associated with the odds when you place a successful $100 bet. For example, if a player is +150 and you bet $100 and win, you’ll get $150. 

Of course, you can wager more or less than $100, but those examples outline the best way to interpret these odds. 

Where to Bet on the Heisman Trophy Winner

While some states restrict college player props, the Heisman Trophy winner is a futures bet and a safe betting market. If you are interested in wagering on odds-on Heisman favorites through game-by-game player props, check out our sports betting map to see if sports betting, including on college football, is available in your state. 

Here are two sportsbooks I enjoy checking out when betting on the Heisman Trophy winner. 

• FanDuel Sportsbook: The welcome bonus is new player-friendly, and the odds are always competitive. The current promo offer for new users is quite generous, no promo code is required: Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.

• Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars offers various promotions throughout the college football season and routinely has odds boosts that can increase your winnings on markets such as college football. Use our promo code WSN20X and claim the following promo offer at Caesars: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Next 20 Bets.

Heisman Trophy Winner History

The Heisman Trophy is voted on by more than 920 sports journalists, previous Heisman winners, and a fan vote. In 2024, there were 928 votes. So, each year, at least one new vote is added. The award is given to the most outstanding player in college football. 

Since 2000, quarterbacks have won it 20 times. Until 2024-25, a defensive player hadn’t won it since Charles Woodson did as a member of the Michigan Wolverines in 1997. Then, in 2024-25, Colorado Buffaloes cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter won it. 

This trophy is essentially the MVP award of the college football season. 

The first award was given to Chicago halfback Jay Berwanger in 1935. 

See all winners since 2010 below.