By the time Week 5 wrapped up, the Heisman race had done more than rearrange; it cracked wide open. John Mateer’s hand surgery and Dante Moore’s clutch performance in double overtime shifted momentum. But new names like Diego Pavia and Trinidad Chambliss are forcing harder looks from voters. Here is the updated top 10 Heisman rankings through Week 5.
1. Dante Moore (QB, Oregon)
Moore’s lead comes not just from stats, but from moments. Against Penn State, he completed 29 of 39 for 248 yards and three touchdowns, then added 35 rushing yards. His calm under pressure in a hostile road environment made a statement that’s hard to ignore.
2. Diego Pavia (QB, Vanderbilt)
Pavia’s resume is stacking up. In Week 5, he threw for 321 yards and five touchdowns, and added 79 rushing yards. His total production makes him a rare dual-threat candidate with serious Heisman juice.
3. Trinidad Chambliss (QB, Ole Miss)
Chambliss has become impossible to bench. In a statement win over LSU, he tossed for 314 yards and scrambled for 71 more. He’s reshaping what the Ole Miss offense looks like and demanding attention in these rankings.
4. Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
Simpson’s numbers don’t dip in big games. Against Georgia, he threw for 276 yards and three total scores while avoiding turnovers. That kind of consistency in the SEC keeps him firmly in the conversation.
5. Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
Mendoza’s stock increased with Mateer’s injury. He’s already thrown 13 touchdowns with just two interceptions this season and guides an offense that now leans on him as its full engine.
6. John Mateer (QB, Oklahoma)
Mateer is hanging in despite uncertainty. He enters the list because of what he’s done so far with his dynamic play. But the hand surgery that took him out is going to cost him momentum.
7. Ahmad Hardy (RB, Missouri)
Hardy is carrying his case forward with consistency. He’s now got five straight 100-yard games, is among the national leaders in rushing, and remains one of the rare non-QBs holding space in this race.
8. Carson Beck (QB, Miami)
Beck is a sleeper who keeps creeping upward. He’s had efficient games, and with Miami still in playoff form, he benefits from opportunity with FSU on the horizon.
9. Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State)
As one of the strongest non-QB names, Smith’s explosiveness and scoring potential are hard to ignore. He’s become a difference-maker in OSU’s offense and arguably one of the best players in college football right now.
10. Marcel Reed (QB, Texas A&M)
Reed has slowly climbed into and back down the Heisman rankings after a rough game against Auburn. The Tigers were able to contain Reed, but the Aggies still got a win leaving him in the conversation for now.
Bottom Line
In this race, what matters isn’t just stats, but narrative. Moore has the push with a heroic win. Pavia and Chambliss offer new angles with their teams’ momentum. Meanwhile, Mateer’s injury and Hardy’s consistency make the shortlist deeper than ever.
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