Diego Pavia moves to Heisman Trophy favorite after Julian Sayin, Fernando Mendoza throw interceptions

Two Heisman Trophy contenders are playing in the Big Ten Championship: Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and Indiana‘s Fernando Mendoza. Both have struggled out of the gates, throwing interceptions in the first quarter. Odds have since shifted against them for the time being, meaning a new favorite has emerged — Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.

At the time of posting, BetMGM lists Pavia at -110 to win the award. Mendoza is not too far behind at +175, while Sayin is comfortably in third place at +300. Major movement in favor of Pavia despite not currently being on the field.

Pavia played 12 games for Vanderbilt this season, putting together an incredible statistical profile. He threw for 3,192 yards, 287 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, while completing well over 70% of his throws. You have to take into account Pavia’s legs too, adding 826 rushing yards and nine scores on 152 attempts.

As On3’s Brett McMurphy pointed out via X, Heisman Trophy voting ballots opened up on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET. Voters will have exactly 48 hours to make a decision, closing Monday at 5 p.m. ET. Conference championship games surely play a role, even if Pavia is not playing in one.

Mendoza and Sayin have almost three quarters remaining to help make their own case. Avoiding turnovers might turn out to be a huge differentiator, as would winning the game. They might be focused on hoisting a Big Ten Championship trophy but an individual trophy is on the line as well.

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