BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s standout performance in a 28-24 victory over Notre Dame has propelled him back into the conversation for the Heisman Trophy. In a game played Saturday, Bachmeier accounted for three touchdowns—one passing, two rushing, and one receiving—demonstrating his versatility and playmaking ability. His efforts contributed to BYU’s rise to No. 2 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll.
The Cougars’ win was marked by Bachmeier throwing 23 completions on 36 attempts for 224 yards, alongside his rushing performance of 45 yards. This multidimensional display places him among the top contenders for college football’s most prestigious award.
Another player making headlines is Oregon State receiver Jesse Legree, who also entered the Heisman Watch rankings for the first time. Legree recorded over 100 receiving yards for the seventh consecutive game and leads the nation with 14 touchdown receptions. He marked a significant milestone by becoming the first player in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) to surpass 1,000 receiving yards this season during a victory over Washington State.
Additionally, Miami’s Malachi Toney made his return to the list after a strong performance against Florida State, where he caught 11 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns, helping his team secure a 43-35 win in double overtime. The Miami Hurricanes have climbed to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 after their strong season.
Notable players maintaining their positions as top contenders include Miami’s quarterback Darian Mensah, Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss, and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith. Mensah has recorded an impressive 80.8% completion rate this season, while Chambliss continues to shine with his dual-threat capability.
However, some players have fallen off the main contenders list. Indiana’s Josh Hoover, Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, Missouri’s Jamal Roberts, and Notre Dame’s CJ Carr experienced setbacks, which affected their standings in the Heisman race.
Heisman voters Cliff Brunt and Jeff Hauser, who have been evaluating college football talent since 2015 and 2017, respectively, are tracking players they consider for their ballots. Their lists highlight the most promising candidates while also identifying fringe players who are making a mark.
Heisman Watch
Top contenders
Bear Bachmeier, QB, BYU
Season stats: 65.8% completions, 1,257 passing yards, nine touchdowns; 284 rushing yards, six touchdowns.
Last game: 23 of 36 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown; two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown against Notre Dame.
Next game: BYU visits Central Florida this Saturday.
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Season stats: 67.6% completions, 1,676 passing yards, 14 touchdowns; 127 rushing yards, six touchdowns.
Last game: 20 of 36 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Missouri.
Next game: Ole Miss visits Texas this Saturday.
Jesse Legree, WR, Oregon State
Season stats: 46 catches for 1,040 yards, 14 touchdowns.
Last game: 108 yards receiving with a 90-yard touchdown against Washington State.
Next game: Oregon State has a bye before visiting Fresno State on October 31.
Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
Season stats: 80.8% completions, 1,764 passing yards, 18 touchdowns to one interception.
Last game: 326 passing yards and three touchdowns in a win against Florida State.
Next game: Miami hosts Pitt this Saturday.
Malachi Toney, WR, Miami
Season stats: 50 catches for 750 yards, eight touchdowns.
Last game: 154 yards and two touchdowns against Florida State.
Next game: Miami hosts Pitt this Saturday.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Season stats: 52 catches for 984 yards, 12 touchdowns.
Last game: 68 yards and one touchdown in a narrow win over Indiana.
Next game: Ohio State has a bye before visiting USC on October 31.
On the fringe: Braden Atkinson, Oregon State; Jadan Baugh, Florida; DeSean Bishop, Tennessee; CJ Carr, Notre Dame; among others.
