Sun Nov 16 04:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the text as a news article:

Summary:

This Sports Illustrated article, penned by Pat Forde, takes a wide-angle look at the college football Heisman Trophy race. Rather than focusing on the usual suspects, Forde expands the list of contenders to ten players across various positions and conferences. He analyzes each player’s stats, team success, and potential drawbacks, considering both quarterbacks and defensive players. The article emphasizes that the Heisman race is far from decided and encourages voters to consider a broader range of candidates as the season progresses. He mentions duplicate jerseys at USC, where there’s cheating on fake punts.

News Article:

Heisman Race Heats Up: SI’s Pat Forde Expands List of Contenders Beyond Usual Suspects

[City, State] – As college football enters the final stretch, the Heisman Trophy race is far from settled, according to Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde. In a recent article, Forde challenges the conventional wisdom of narrowing the field to quarterbacks from the top teams, instead offering a longer list of ten compelling candidates across the sport. Forde wrote that things can change, so you should keep an open mind as the season comes to a close.

Forde’s list includes (in order of how he would rank the top 10 contenders):

  • QB Bo Mendoza, Indiana: Leading a surprising 10-0 Hoosiers team, Mendoza boasts impressive efficiency and clutch performances. However, Forde notes his “Heisman moment” hinged on a miraculous catch.
  • QB Will Sayin, Ohio State: The sophomore sensation leads the nation in efficiency for the undefeated Buckeyes, but faces competition for recognition on his own team, particularly from star receiver Jeremiah Smith.
  • QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: Pavia is carrying the Commodores, who are 15-8 with him, compared to their 6-17 record before he started for them.
  • LB Ty Rodriguez, Texas Tech: Rodriguez is a defensive playmaker, with seven forced fumbles, and is leading the Red Raiders to their highest ranking in 17 years.
  • RB Reggie Love, Notre Dame: The explosive Love leads the nation in touchdowns with 16, and is the biggest home run hitter in college football.
  • QB Haynes King, Georgia Tech: Despite great stats on the field, Tech is at risk of losing out on the race for the ACC championship, which would impact his potential Heisman candidacy.
  • QB Jalen Simpson, Alabama: While at the top of Alabama’s success, his efficiency has been slipping.
  • QB Kyle Moore, Oregon: A good leader who gets it done when it matters, as proved by the last field goal game in Iowa.
  • QB Michael Pratt, South Florida: Pratt has led the team to their best season since 2017.
  • RB Xavier Johnson, Nebraska: Johnson is old school durable, and continues to have high scores for his team.

Forde also highlights potential late-season surprises and players to watch, including talent from Texas A&M, Mississippi, USC, Georgia, and Michigan.

“The Heisman race is a marathon, not a sprint,” Forde argues. “These next few weeks will be crucial for these players to make their case to the voters.”

This expanded list comes at a time when college football is under increasing scrutiny, with Forde pointedly noting duplicate jerseys at USC where he notes they’re cheating on fake punts. The final weeks of the season promise to be filled with drama and intrigue as these contenders battle for college football’s most prestigious individual award.

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