David Pollack ranks top Heisman contenders following Week 9 slate

On Monday’s episode of the See Ball Get Ball podcast, college football expert David Pollack released his updated Heisman Trophy contender rankings. Pollack had no shortage of stars across the college football landscape to choose from.

As usual, Pollack favored quarterbacks in his choices. In fairness, there have only been five non-QB Heisman Trophy winners since 2000. Moreover, college football quarterbacks haven’t given Pollack any reason to look elsewhere this season.

While Pollack named several expected stars on his list, he also went out on a limb with a couple of his choices. With so much talent to discuss, let’s dive into Pollack’s rankings.

5. QB Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

Texas A&M is the only remaining unbeaten team in the SEC, and its leader’s name is Marcel Reed. The sophomore QB has tallied 1,972 passing yards and 17 touchdowns this season, compared to six interceptions.

For reference, Reed finished last season with just 15 passing TDs. Reed has already nearly eclipsed his rushing TD mark from last season as well. He recorded seven rushing scores last season, and already has six this fall.

4. QB Haynes King, Georgia Tech

Haynes King is as veteran as they come, and his experience is paying dividends this season. King has completed 72.3% of his pass attempts for 1,480 yards and seven touchdowns, while only throwing one pick this season.

Moreover, King is one of the most dangerous QBs in the country in the ground game. King has racked up 651 and 12 scores with his legs this season. His 12 rushing touchdowns are tied for the second-most in the country.

3. QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Trinidad Chambliss didn’t even begin the 2025 campaign as Ole Miss’ starting quarterback and, now, he’s a legitimate contender for the Heisman Trophy. Chambliss took over Ole Miss’ offense in Week 3 after Austin Simmons suffered an injury, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Chambliss has completed 61% of his pass attempts for 1,864 yards and nine TDs this season. He’s only thrown one interception. Like King, Chambliss is also a rushing threat. He’s notched 376 rushing yards and five scores.

2. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Fernando Mendoza has been the key to Indiana’s second year under head coach Curt Cignetti going even better than the first. Mendoza leads the country with 24 passing touchdowns, and is connecting with his targets at an incredible 72.9% rate.

Mendoza hasn’t wilted against elite competition, either. In Indiana’s two wins over ranked opponents thus far this season, Mendoza logged a combined 482 passing yards and six TDs, compared to just one interception.

1. QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

No quarterback in the country has propelled their team forward this season quite like Alabama’s Ty Simpson. After losing their season-opener, the Crimson Tide have rallied back and won seven consecutive games, largely thanks to Simpson.

Simpson has thrown for 2,184 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, while only tossing one interception. Though Simpson doesn’t have as many rushing yards as some of the other QBs on Pollack’s list, he’s extremely agile and uses his athleticism to maneuver the pocket better than almost anyone in college football.