Heisman Finalists Revealed: Mendoza, Pavia Lead Field; Texas Stars Left Out

The 2025 Heisman Trophy has a new home in Bloomington. On Saturday night, Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback who led Indiana to a shock undefeated season and the #1 CFP seed, was named the 91st winner of college football's most prestigious award.

Mendoza's victory marks a historic moment for the Hoosiers, but for football fans in the Lone Star State, the ceremony was defined by who wasn't there.

The Voting Results

Mendoza won in a landslide, securing the trophy over finalists:

• Diego Pavia (QB, Vanderbilt)
• Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
• Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State)

The Texas Snubs

Despite leading the projected CFB powerhouse programs, neither Arch Manning (Texas) nor Marcel Reed (Texas A&M) received an invite to New York, confirming the "snub" fears that circulated last week.

Arch Manning finished the regular season with 2,800+ yards and guided Texas to a 9-3 record, but the late-season losses likely cost him voters' attention.

Marcel Reed, arguably the bigger omission, led Texas A&M to an 11-1 record and the #7 playoff seed. His dual-threat efficiency was the engine of the Aggies' offense, yet the voters favored Pavia's "Cinderella" story at Vanderbilt over Reed's dominance in the SEC.

Reaction

"It is what it is," A&M Head Coach Mike Elko said earlier in the week. "We know what Marcel means to this team. We have a playoff game to prepare for."

For Texas, the snub adds fuel to the fire as they prepare for the Citrus Bowl against Michigan. For A&M, Reed will have his chance to prove the voters wrong on the field in the College Football Playoff first round.