Sat Dec 06 15:30:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III (RGIII) believes the Heisman race is down to three players heading into conference championship weekend: Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), and Julian Sayin (Ohio State). While Mendoza and Sayin are the current betting favorites, Griffin argues that Rodriguez’s defensive dominance, statistically comparable to former Heisman finalist Manti Te’o, makes him a strong contender. Griffin acknowledges other players like Pavia (Vanderbilt), Lacy (Ole Miss), and Love (Notre Dame) had impressive seasons, but their teams’ lack of championship contention hurts their chances. Ultimately, RGIII believes the performances in the Big Ten Championship (Mendoza vs. Sayin) and the Big 12 Championship (Rodriguez) will determine the Heisman winner.

News Article:

RGIII: Heisman Trophy Still Up for Grabs Heading into Championship Weekend

NEW YORK, NY – With conference championship games looming, the Heisman Trophy race remains wide open, according to FOX Sports analyst and former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III. Griffin, on his “Outta Pocket” podcast, declared it a three-man competition between Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech linebacker), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana quarterback), and Julian Sayin (Ohio State quarterback).

While Mendoza and Sayin are considered frontrunners due to their impressive offensive stats, Griffin is championing Rodriguez, citing his dominant defensive performance for the No. 4 ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders. Rodriguez has amassed 101 total tackles, seven forced fumbles, and four interceptions, leading a defense ranked in the top six nationally.

“I believe Jacob Rodriguez, at a minimum, should be in New York,” Griffin said, comparing Rodriguez’s stats favorably to those of former Heisman runner-up Manti Te’o. “He’s No. 1 on my list to win the Heisman because I believe Texas Tech has the best defense. He’s the leader of that defense. He has the numbers to truly back it up.”

Mendoza has thrown for 2,758 yards and a nation-leading 32 touchdowns for the Indiana Hoosiers. Sayin has thrown for 3,065 yards and 30 touchdowns this season.

Griffin acknowledged other potential candidates, including Pavia (Vanderbilt), Lacy (Ole Miss), and Love (Notre Dame), but ultimately believes the Heisman winner will emerge from this weekend’s championship games.

The spotlight will be on the Big Ten Championship game, where Mendoza’s Indiana faces Sayin’s Ohio State. Rodriguez will lead Texas Tech against BYU in the Big 12 Championship. Their performances this weekend will likely sway voters and determine who will ultimately be crowned the Heisman Trophy winner.

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