Joel Klatt reveals his midseason Top 5 players for 2025 Heisman Trophy

The 2025 college football season is officially at its midpoint. And you know what that means? It’s time for pundits like FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt to hand out midseason honors.

Klatt certainly delivered during Wednesday’s episode of The Joel Klatt Show podcast, identifying his Top 5 midseason contenders for everything from the Heisman Trophy to Coach of the Year after the first seven weeks of the regular season. The FOX Sports analyst even took the time to distinguish his midseason leader for college football’s top individual awards.

Check out Joel Klatt’s midseason Top 5 list of Heisman Trophy contenders (in alphabetical order):

Carson Beck, Miami, QB

The former Georgia transfer has blossomed in his first season in Coral Gables, guiding the undefeated Hurricanes’ offense with an ACC-best 73.4 completion percentage to go along with 1,213 passing yards and an 11-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Beck was especially efficient in Miami’s ACC opener with four touchdowns and 241 yards on 74.1-percent passing last weekend vs. Florida State.

Klatt: “He’s leading this Miami team that’s No. 2 in the country, No. 3 in my poll. That is clearly one of the best teams in the country, so Beck’s absolutely in the conversation to get to New York.”

Haynes King, Georgia Tech, QB

While not the most prolific passer, the undefeated Yellow Jackets’ senior leader just continues to get it done any way possible. That includes an ACC-leading nine rushing touchdowns through five games to go along four passing scores. King’s been especially effective on the ground averaging nearly 90 rushing yards and more than 1.5 touchdowns per game in ACC play alone.

Klatt: “He’s run for over 100 yards per game against Power Four opponents this season. He’s only got four passing touchdowns but nine on the ground. And any big game I just immediately think to myself, Haynes King is going to play well.”

Ty Simpson, Alabama, QB

A question mark coming into the season, Simpson answered those questions by establishing himself as one of the most efficient and productive passers in college football. Simpson leads the SEC with 16 passing touchdowns to just one interception and a 172.36 quarterback rating, while spearheading Alabama’s re-emergence as a national title contender after its opening-game loss at Florida State.

Klatt: “This guy is fantastic. And when they protect him, he’s tremendous. Sixteen touchdowns to just one interception, he’s certainly a (Heisman Trophy) candidate.”

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, WR

Still just a sophomore, the Buckeyes’ superstar wideout continues to prove he’s the one of the most dangerous playmakers in college football. Smith leads the Big Ten — and is tied for second nationally — with seven receiving scores through the first six weeks of the season. His 40 receptions currently ranks second in the Big Ten to go along with 505 receiving yards.

Klatt: “He’s the best player in college football. … He draws so much attention, because otherwise he’s just going to destroy you. … No one has been more dominant on the outside than Jeremiah Smith.”

Midseason winner: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, QB

And Klatt’s midseason Heisman Trophy winner is the former Cal transfer QB that’s taken the reins at Indiana and kept the Hoosiers’ bullet train offense rolling. Mendoza’s 17 passing touchdowns rank fourth nationally and tops in the Big Ten, while his 183.43 quarterback rating is fourth in the league. The Indiana QB managed just 215 yards on 64.5-percent passing against Oregon, but turned it on when it mattered most by leading a pair of fourth-quarter scoring drives for the 30-20 upset in Eugene.

Klatt: “He’s taken what is a really good offense and what was a very good offense a year ago, and taken it to another level. … But he has really been the catalyst. He makes such good throws, he’s very accurate, love when he throws it to the back shoulder. And he’s orchestrated the best win of the season for any college team (after) what they did last week at Oregon.”