With John Mateer sidelined by a hand injury, the Heisman leaderboard is shifting again. After a packed Week 5, it’s time to look at the best and worst performances, along with the four players who would head to New York if the vote were today.
Who Shined?
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love wasn’t the top rusher statistically, but his all-around game carried Notre Dame. His combination of rushing and receiving sparked the Irish offense in a matchup they knew demanded points. Notre Dame scored 42 in the first half, with Love as the centerpiece. He finished with 127 total yards and four touchdowns, balancing the production with two on the ground and two through the air. It was the kind of breakout performance that can ignite a Heisman campaign.
Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Leavitt was sharp in Arizona State’s huge Big 12 win over TCU, throwing for 291 yards and two touchdowns while adding 62 yards and a rushing score. After a sluggish start to the season, this was the game he needed to get his confidence back.
Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois
Illinois bounced back from last week’s 63-10 drubbing against Indiana with a dramatic walk-off win over USC, thanks to Altmyer. Calm and efficient all game, he lived up to the nickname “Coolhand Luke,” going 20-of-26 for 328 yards and two touchdowns. In a spot where Illinois desperately needed a spark to keep their season on track, Altmyer delivered.
Who Struggled?
Jaylen Henderson, QB, West Virginia
Henderson earned his first start against Utah, but the debut was a disaster. He went 3-of-7 for just 22 yards before being pulled late in the game. He showed little ability to move the offense, leaving West Virginia with even fewer reasons for optimism this season.
Rickie Collins, QB, Syracuse
Collins’ stat line (229 yards, 24 completions, one interception) looks decent at first glance, but the tape told another story. Replacing Steve Angeli, he looked overwhelmed, offered no running threat, and finished with negative rushing yards. Duke ran away with the game 38-3, and Collins looked far from ready for the role.
Jackson Arnold, QB, Auburn
Arnold’s struggles are holding Auburn back. He threw for just 125 yards and rushed for 11 in a second straight SEC loss. The defense has done its job, but the offense has no rhythm. If Arnold can’t turn it around soon, Auburn could be stuck in the same spot as last year, only with a stronger defense going to waste.
Heisman Rankings
With John Mateer’s return uncertain, here are the four I project to be in New York as of Week 5:
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Moore led Oregon into Penn State’s White Out atmosphere and emerged with a statement win. His numbers of 248 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 35 rushing yards won’t jump off the page, but his poise and decision-making kept Oregon in control. This game solidified his candidacy for the stretch run.
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
Miami was idle in Week 5, but Beck has been sharp all season. Next week’s matchup under the lights at Florida State will be a massive test and could define his Heisman push.
Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
Robertson once again torched a defense, throwing five touchdowns against Oklahoma State. His weekly production has been outstanding, and he has firmly cemented himself in the top four.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Simpson delivered on the biggest stage, carving up Georgia’s defense in Athens. After a shaky opener against Florida State, he has been electric. His three-touchdown performance against Georgia flipped Alabama’s season and vaulted him into the Heisman race.
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