Robert Griffin III ranks top six Heisman contenders with controversial favorite

We’re just over a month away from crowning the 2026 Heisman Trophy winner, and the finalists for this year’s prestigious annual award have begun to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. After Week 11, there are six players who could be New York-bound next month, according to Robert Griffin III. on his show, Outta Pocket with RGIII.

Griffin knows a thing or two about the Heisman Trophy, winning the award in 2011 for his stellar season with the Baylor Bears. Now, he’s ranked the top six players that could win the same award he did nearly 15 years ago.

His list doesn’t come without controversy, however. The FOX Sports analyst had an interesting No. 1 in his rankings.

1. Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez

Rodriguez is certainly a controversial pick for No. 1 on the Heisman Trophy list. A linebacker from Texas Tech, he’s been the model of consistency at the position for the last two seasons and is considered a potential first-round draft pick.

Moreover, it’s been nearly 30 years since a true defender won the award. That was Charles Woodson in 1997, who won the award while cornerback for Michigan. Though, Travis Hunter won it last season but as a two-way player for Colorado.

2. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza may have had his Heisman moment on Saturday with his game-winning touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. in the back of the end zone. His Indiana Hoosiers are 10-0 and are in great position to make the College Football Playoffs.

On the season, he’s passed for 2,342 yards, 26 touchdowns and five interceptions. His 88.1 QBR ranked fourth among quarterbacks in college football.

3. Ohio State QB Julian Sayin

Julian Sayin and Fernando Mendoza seem poised to play opposite of each other during the Big Ten title game next month. Of course, that is predicated on the Buckeyes remaining undefeated during that stretch.

Sayin has thrown for 2,491 yards, 24 touchdowns and four interceptions this year. If they go undefeated this regular season and beat Michigan, Sayin will never have to pay for a meal in Columbus ever again. At that point, it may be hard to bet against the Ohio State QB.

4. Alabama QB Ty Simpson

Ty Simpson has been the driving force guiding Alabama’s eight-game winning streak. He also has the numbers, and efficiency, to support his Heisman Trophy campaign.

Simpson has thrown for around the same amount of passing yards as Mendoza and Sayin, but he’s only thrown one interception all season. Alabama hasn’t turned the ball over very much this season, and Sayin is a big reason for that.

5. Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed

Marcel Reed has Texas A&M off to its best start since 1992, and is closing in on an undefeated regular season. At 9-0 overall, the Aggies sit alone atop the SEC standings.

Reed has thrown for 2,193 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. He’s also one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country with nearly 400 yards and six additional touchdowns on the ground.

6. Georgia Tech QB Haynes King

King, a former Texas A&M QB himself, has his Yellow Jackets 8-1 and in first place in the ACC standings. It’s the best start to a season for Georgia Tech since 1966.

His passing stats aren’t as eye-popping with 1,888 yards and nine touchdowns compared to two interceptions. However, he sets himself apart in the rushing game with over 750 additional yards on the ground and 14 touchdowns.