The Big Ten hasn’t produced a Heisman winner since 2006, when Ohio State’s Troy Smith took home the award. Nearly two decades have passed, but that drought might not last much longer. The conference is loaded with talent, and while the SEC and Big 12 have often dominated the Heisman conversation as seasons unfold, this year feels different. With three weeks already in the books, a few standout players from the Big Ten are beginning to build strong cases. Here are the names to watch as potential candidates to finally break the streak.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Sep 13, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Redshirt sophomore Dante Moore has been remarkably efficient in the early stages of his 2025 campaign, leading a high-powered Oregon offense with confidence. He’s completed nearly 80 percent of his passes for 657 yards, seven touchdowns, and just one interception. While Oregon’s playmakers have certainly helped ease the transition, Moore has consistently shown the ability to deliver throws to every part of the field, including several eye-catching deep balls that have drawn national attention. Despite the Ducks sitting at No. 6 in the AP Poll, it still feels like both fans and analysts are underrating just how good this Oregon team truly is.
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Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws a touchdown pass to Carnell Tate during the NCAA football game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9.
Ohio State fans were told to temper expectations at quarterback this season, with freshman Julian Sayin stepping into the starting role. But through the first three weeks, Sayin has quickly raised the bar. He’s off to an impressive start in 2025, showing poise and playmaking ability well beyond his years. In Week 1 against a Texas defense considered one of the best in the country, Sayin delivered a solid performance—completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown—while avoiding costly mistakes. Since then, he’s taken a noticeable step forward. In Weeks 2 and 3, he threw for over 300 yards in back-to-back games, tossing four touchdowns against Grambling State and three more against Ohio.
As Sayin has become more aggressive in pushing the ball downfield, a few interceptions have crept in, something he and the coaching staff will look to address during this week’s bye. The extra time will also help prepare for a quietly challenging matchup against Washington in two weeks. With elite talent surrounding him and the ability to process quickly and deliver a beautiful deep ball, Sayin is already showing signs that he could be something special for the Buckeyes.
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a 47-yard touchdown pass in front of Ohio Bobcats cornerback Michael Mack II (9) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9.
It’s no surprise that the best player in college football finds his way onto this list. After a relatively quiet start by his own high standards, Jeremiah Smith has exploded over the past two weeks. In Week 1 against Texas, he managed just six catches for 43 yards, but quickly bounced back with a dominant performance against Grambling State, hauling in five receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns. He followed that up with nine catches for 153 yards and another score in Week 3 against Ohio.
Smith has quickly developed strong chemistry with freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, becoming his go-to target in key moments. Sayin looks to him early and often, and that connection has already become a focal point of Ohio State’s offense. With his production ramping up and his role continuing to grow, Smith is positioning himself as a serious contender in this year’s Heisman race.
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Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) talks with Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
One of the better-kept secrets at quarterback in the country, Jayden Maiava has been outstanding through the first three weeks of the season. In his first year as USC’s full-time starter, he has impressed with nearly 1,000 passing yards, six touchdown passes, no interceptions, and two more scores on the ground. USC is off to a 3-0 start and currently sits at No. 25 in the AP Poll.
The Trojans face Michigan State this weekend, but things get much tougher soon. After that, they enter a brutal three-game stretch against ranked opponents—No. 9 Illinois, No. 21 Michigan, and No. 24 Notre Dame. Maiava will be tested, but if he continues to produce at a high level against top competition, the Heisman buzz around him could grow in a hurry.
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Sep 6, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) rushes for a touchdown against the UC Davis Aggies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
In 2024, Jonah Coleman rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, establishing himself as a key piece of Washington’s offense. This season, he’s picked up right where he left off, and then some. Through just two games, Coleman has already racked up 288 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on only 39 carries, serving as a true workhorse and consistently finding the end zone.
Washington heads into a rivalry matchup with Washington State this week, giving Coleman a chance to stay in rhythm before a major test on September 27, when the Huskies host the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. That game will feature a showdown with a tough, Matt Patricia-coached defense, and it could be a defining moment in Coleman’s season.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Big Ten Heisman candidate rundown after Week 3 of college football