The Firm Grip by Quarterbacks Is Back
The firm grip by quarterbacks on the Heisman Trophy is about to return after a one-year absence International Student Athletes NIL. Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter was a rare exception, but this year, the award is all about the QBs.
However, the 2025 Heisman race isn’t just about stats — it’s the biggest brand-builder in sports International Athletes NIL Changes.
A Heisman campaign is powered by on-field performance, national hype, and a massive NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) operation.
This is where Fan Fuel changes the game.
The list of fan-favorite candidates is a “who’s who” of the most valuable athletes in the country.
Here’s a look at the top contenders — and the NIL opportunities fans can fuel directly on RallyFuel.
TY SIMPSON • ALABAMA • QB
Since a season-opening loss to Florida State, Simpson has been the model of efficiency, guiding Alabama to four straight Top 25 wins — Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Tennessee.
In seven games, he’s completed 70.2 percent of his passes, thrown 18 touchdowns, and has been intercepted only once. Those numbers alone make him a legitimate Heisman candidate — but playing for the nation’s highest-profile program only amplifies his chances.
NIL Spotlight: Playing QB for Alabama makes you a Heisman favorite and an NIL superstar. Ty Simpson’s brand is exploding. Fans can fuel his Heisman campaign directly and be part of the Tide’s title run. Ferris State Division Ii
FERNANDO MENDOZA • INDIANA • QB
No potential Heisman contender has risen faster. After transferring from Cal, Mendoza has blossomed in Bloomington and turned Indiana into one of the season’s biggest surprises.
The Hoosiers are 7-0 with two Top 10 wins. Mendoza has completed 73.5 percent of his passes for 21 TDs with only two picks.
NIL Spotlight: Mendoza is this year’s biggest NIL success story — proving you can build a national brand anywhere. This is a chance for Hoosier fans to show their power on the RallyFuel Battleground and fuel one of college football’s most exciting players.
JUSTIN SAYIN • OHIO STATE • QB
Originally an Alabama recruit, Sayin has burst onto the scene in his first year starting for the Buckeyes. It helps that he’s running the nation’s #1 offense, but his own numbers are jaw-dropping: 80 percent completions, 19 TDs, and just 3 INTs.
His performance against Michigan on Nov. 29 will likely define his Heisman fate.
NIL Spotlight: The QB for the #1 team is always a top NIL earner. Sayin’s challenge? His teammate Jeremiah Smith is also on this list — creating a fun competition for Buckeye fans: do you fuel the QB or the WR?
MARCEL REED • TEXAS A&M • QB
Reed vaulted into Heisman contention after a breakout 45-42 win over Arkansas, completing 23 of 32 passes for 280 yards. The Aggies are 7-0 for the first time since 1994, and how Reed performs at LSU this week will shape his final standing.
NIL Spotlight: Reed’s hype is peaking. His Heisman odds — and NIL value — could skyrocket after LSU. This is the perfect “No-Risk” moment for the 12th Man. Fuel Marcel Reed before the showdown. If he wins, you called it early. Getting Started With Rallyfuel
CARSON BECK • MIAMI • QB
A week ago, Beck was near the top of every Heisman list. Then came a four-interception loss to Louisville that derailed his momentum.
To re-enter contention, Beck needs a strong finish and a reminder of his talent and leadership.
NIL Spotlight: A bad game hurts his Heisman odds but opens a huge opportunity for fan fuel. This is when a player needs his fanbase most. Canes fans can fuel Beck’s comeback and help him get back on track — the ultimate “buy-the-dip” rally.
GUNNER STOCKTON • GEORGIA • QB
The junior first-year starter jumped back into the race after a four-touchdown, 289-yard game against Florida. To keep climbing, Stockton will need big showings against upcoming ranked opponents Texas and Georgia Tech.
NIL Spotlight: Stockton is back in the conversation, but with a brutal schedule ahead, fan fuel is the ultimate support system. Dawg fans can rally behind their QB as he faces the toughest stretch of the season.
DIEGO PAVIA • VANDERBILT • QB
At 24 and on his third school, Pavia has emerged as one of college football’s most compelling stories.
He’s completed 70.5 percent of his passes for 15 TDs and just 4 INTs, while rushing for 438 yards and 4 TDs to lead Vandy’s surprising 6-1 start.
NIL Spotlight: This is what NIL is all about. Diego Pavia is proving that persistence and opportunity matter more than pedigree. Fan-fueling his journey is the ultimate underdog story for Vanderbilt fans.
JEREMIAH SMITH • OHIO STATE • WR
Smith is the lone non-QB on this list and arguably the most dominant player in the country.
If he played anywhere else, he might be a frontrunner — but sharing the stage with his quarterback makes his case even more intriguing.
NIL Spotlight: Smith may be the most valuable non-QB in America. Fueling a generational talent like Jeremiah Smith shows that NIL isn’t just for quarterbacks — it’s for the best players, period.
The Heisman Is Fueled by Fans. You Are the Voter.
The Heisman Trophy is more than an award — it’s the biggest stage in college sports.
Don’t just watch the Heisman race. Help control it International Athletes NIL Money.On the RallyFuel Battleground, you can see in real time which fanbase is truly backing their guy.
This isn’t a media poll — it’s a live, transparent fan-powered NIL marketplace.Best of all, you’re not just making a donation.
You’re purchasing a Conditional NIL Engagement Right — a secure, escrow-protected, no-risk way to support your favorite athlete.
Stop Watching. Start Fueling.
The Heisman race is on. The leaderboard is live.
Your fuel decides who takes home the trophy.
Join the Rally → rallyfuel.com
Learn More About the NIL Landscape
Name, Image, and Likeness plays an increasing role in college sports, and understanding how it works often requires more than individual articles or news updates.
RallyFuel is a platform focused on NIL-related topics across college athletics. It brings together information about athletes, NIL activity, and the broader structure behind modern college sports, helping readers explore the topic in more depth.
Leave a Comment