2025 Heisman Trophy Odds: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Off, But Remains Focused, Diligent

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza could be resting. Instead, the top 2025 Heisman Trophy candidate remains on task. 

Mendoza, while taking a break watching game film during the No. 2-ranked Hoosiers’ bye week, spoke about the history the long-suffering program is creating this season. The Hoosiers (11-0 overall, 8-0 Big Ten) captured their opening 11 games for the first time and hold their highest ranking ever. 

Purdue (2-9, 0-8) stands in the Hoosiers’ way for a perfect regular season and a berth into their first Big Ten championship game. The in-state rivals will meet Nov. 28 for the Old Oaken Bucket. 

Indiana has not won a conference title since 1967. 

“It’s going to be a tough, gritty match-up and I think it might snow over there, which would be really interesting,” said Mendoza, a transfer from California. “I just can’t wait to get a bite at the rivalry, just to be able to experience it, to play in it against such a great team. It’s just such an honor to play Purdue and to see the Purdue rivalry in basketball and really just see how the alumni harp on it.” 

Mendonza appears to be making the most of his Indiana premiere.  

“We are so blessed to be 11-0 at this point, and right now we’re just focused on being 1-0 (next week),” he said. “There are challenges with the spotlight, but honestly, it’s a great opportunity to give the praise to the other people around this program that they deserve.” 

Mendoza (+100) may be off this weekend, but he remains the sports-betting favorite to capture college football’s top player honor, according to BetOnline Sportsbook.

That's what I just heard @qb_fernando 😂😂#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/XpzCPhB0QH

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 17, 2025

2025 Heisman Trophy Odds

Here is a Week 13 look at the odds for winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy, awarded to the top regular-season college football player, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:

*-Odds current at time of publication