Week 4 was eventful, to say the least. Several marquee matchups lived up to the hype, and standout performances shaped how the season may unfold. Here is a look at the best and worst individual efforts of the weekend, along with the current Heisman picture if the season ended today.
Who Shined?
Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri
The transfer from UL-Monroe ran for more than 1,300 yards last season as a true freshman. Missouri took a chance on him, but there were questions about whether his production would hold up against SEC defenses. Before this week, he was averaging 8.1 yards per carry, second-best in the conference among backs with at least 30 attempts.
On Saturday against South Carolina, Hardy delivered in his SEC debut. He carried 22 times for 138 yards and a touchdown, showcasing the elite ability that makes him a critical piece of this Tigers’ offense.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The former Cal quarterback transferred to Indiana to play under Curt Cignetti, and he is already proving to be a difference-maker.
Against Illinois, Mendoza was nearly flawless, completing 21 of 23 passes, including his last 17 attempts, and throwing five touchdowns. The Hoosiers routed the Illini 63–10, with Mendoza firmly establishing himself as the spark behind Indiana’s playoff push.
Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
Nebraska was hoping to secure its first ranked win since 2016, but Justice Haynes spoiled those plans.
The Michigan back ripped off a long touchdown run and totaled 149 yards on 17 carries. He consistently broke big plays and converted critical third downs, powering an offense that controlled the game with long, methodical drives.
Who Struggled?
DJ Lagway, QB, Florida
The entire Florida offense struggled, but Lagway’s performance stood out. He went 12 of 23 for just 61 yards, averaging 2.7 yards per attempt. Miami’s defense flustered him throughout the game, forcing eight three-and-outs or four-and-outs on 11 drives.
The running game offered little support, but as the leader of the offense, Lagway looked overmatched. Billy Napier has yet to put him in a position to succeed, and that disconnect remains glaring.
Maalik Murphy, QB, Oregon State
Expectations were low against rival Oregon, but the reality was worse. Murphy, who transferred from Texas by way of Duke, struggled mightily, completing only 5 of 18 passes for 68 yards.
Once seen as a highly touted prospect, he has disappointed since arriving in Corvallis. With six touchdowns and five interceptions on the season, it is difficult to see his trajectory improving soon.
Jake Retzlaff, QB, Tulane
Retzlaff entered Saturday with hopes of upsetting 13th-ranked Ole Miss but never found any traction. He went 5 of 17 for 56 passing yards, leaving Tulane’s offense one-dimensional. While he ran the ball effectively, the lack of any passing threat doomed the Green Wave from the start.
The Four Invitees if the Heisman Ceremony Was Held Today
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
Mateer holds the top spot on the Heisman list after guiding Oklahoma past Auburn. He was not spectacular on Saturday, but his season résumé keeps him in front. With marquee wins over Michigan and Auburn, plus 1,215 passing yards, six touchdowns through the air, and five more on the ground, Mateer has compiled both the production and the signature moments that define a Heisman campaign.
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
Beck’s numbers against Florida were not his best of the season, but his resume remains strong. He already owns wins over Notre Dame and USF, and he has thrown for 972 yards with seven touchdowns. With a showdown against Florida State looming after a bye week, Beck will have another opportunity to strengthen his case.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Oregon’s first-year starter keeps stacking impressive performances. Against Oregon State, Moore completed 21 of 31 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 53 rushing yards. He now faces his biggest test yet, a trip to Penn State for the famed “Whiteout Game” at Beaver Stadium. Leading the Ducks to a win there would elevate him even further in the race.
Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
Despite Baylor’s loss to Arizona State, Robertson once again delivered through the air. He went 25 of 39 for 250 yards and three touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 1,320 yards and 13 scores. His team’s record isn’t helping his case, but the production is too strong to ignore.
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