Heisman watch: Alabama’s Ty Simpson leads all contenders heading into Week 9

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) celebrates a short-lived touchdown that was called back during the second quarter against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Ty Simpson is currently the Heisman Trophy front-runner, but you won’t find him or anyone else on Alabama’s team beating their chest about it. 

“I mean, in our building he’s not bringing it up,” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said. “Our coaches aren’t bringing it up. Everyone knows, I think, that individual accolades come along when your team is successful, and especially when you’re the quarterback if you’re winning football games., and with our system revolving around a lot of what the quarterback can do, that will take care of itself if we continue to win.”

According to BetMGM, Simpson is listed at +300 odds to win this year’s Heisman Trophy. The redshirt junior is followed by Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (+325), Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (+400) and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (+700).

Here’s a look at how the top contenders stack up and what’s coming up next for them heading into Week 9 of the season.