The weeks that look the most lackluster on paper always seem to deliver the biggest surprises. Upsets, breakout stars, and a few disasters defined Week 6, with several players pushing their way into the Heisman conversation while others fell flat. Here’s who stood out, who stumbled, and how the race is shaping up heading into mid-October.
Who Shined?
Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA
Few expected to see Iamaleava on this list, but he delivered his best game of the year in a breakthrough win. He went 17 of 24 for 166 yards and two touchdowns through the air, while adding 128 yards and three more scores on the ground. UCLA will not be winless this season, and Iamaleava is the biggest reason why.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Simpson followed up his upset win at Georgia with another strong outing against Vanderbilt. He threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, completing 23 of 31 passes. After back-to-back victories over ranked opponents, Simpson is firmly in the Heisman conversation.
Mason Heintschel, QB, Pittsburgh
Pat Narduzzi turned the offense over to Heintschel against Boston College, and the freshman made the most of his chance. He went 30 of 41 for 323 yards and four touchdowns in a 48–7 rout. With a game like that, Heintschel looks like the quarterback of the future for the Panthers.
Who Struggled?
Sire Gaines, RB, Boise State
Boise State had slim hopes heading into Notre Dame, and Gaines erased what little chance they had. He managed just 39 yards on 11 carries, never threatening to spark any momentum.
Dylan Lonergan, QB, Boston College
A tough year for Boston College got worse in the blowout loss to Pitt. Lonergan completed only nine passes for 89 yards, finishing with a 50% completion rate and little impact.
Zane Flores, QB, Oklahoma State
While UCLA thrived after a coaching change, Oklahoma State looked even worse. Flores completed only nine passes for 47 yards with an interception as the Cowboys were blown out again. At this point, it is hard to see him as the future of the program.
My Heisman Rankings After Week 6
1. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Idle this week, but Moore’s performance at Penn State in Week 5 still looms large. He has thrown for 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns with just two interceptions. A home showcase against Indiana with College GameDay in town is his next big opportunity to pad the résumé.
2. Carson Beck, QB, Miami
Beck proved doubters wrong in Miami’s marquee win over Florida State, throwing for 241 yards and four touchdowns. With Miami now sitting at No. 2 in the AP Poll, Beck is on the short list of true contenders.
3. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Simpson is climbing quickly after two straight wins over ranked teams. With another tough road game at Missouri next week, his candidacy will take a huge leap forward if he delivers again.
4. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Chambliss also had a bye, but his numbers remain impressive given his late start to the season. He has thrown for 1,033 yards and added 256 on the ground with seven total touchdowns, despite not starting until Week 3.
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