In his latest Heisman Trophy watch, ESPN analyst David Hale placed three SEC signal-callers among his top-five contenders through Week 8 of the 2025 college football season.
At the top of Hale’s list is Fernando Mendoza of Indiana Hoosiers, putting the conference strength aside. Mendoza threw for 332 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 38-13 win over Michigan State in Week 8.
The first SEC quarterback in Hale’s ballot is Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who comes in at No.2. Simpson has compiled 1,931 passing yards and 18 touchdowns with only 1 interception, while leading Alabama to six straight wins after an opening loss to Florida State.
At No.3, Hale picks Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores — also an SEC QB. Pavia has combined for 1,659 passing yards, 438 rushing yards, and 19 total touchdowns for the 6-1 Commodores, and made a viral “Heisman pose” after a touchdown run vs. LSU.
The third SEC quarterback on the list is Gunner Stockton of the Georgia Bulldogs, slotted at No.4. His Week 8 stat line featured 348 yards passing and five touchdowns, catching Hale’s attention.
Rounding out the top five at No.5 is Haynes King of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets—not an SEC school—after accounting for 14 touchdowns and one interception on the season.
Why this matters
- The fact that three of the top five are SEC quarterbacks underscores just how strong and deep the conference is at the quarterback position this season.
- It also signals that Heisman voters (or at least this analyst) are valuing high-production QBs in major conferences with strong teams, which bodes well for these players.
- For Simpson, Pavia and Stockton, being in that top tier means their narrative matters: team success, big-stage moments, and signature wins will help their cases going forward.
- On the flip side, Mendoza’s presence at No.1 suggests that excellence outside the SEC still commands respect—he’s outperforming on the field, regardless of conference.
What to watch going forward
- Consistency: Can the three SEC QBs sustain their performance, avoid turnovers, and win big games down the stretch?
- Signature moments: Voters often latch onto memorable plays or games (for example Pavia’s pose, Stockton’s five-TD performance).
- Team success: The Heisman often goes with players on top teams. If Alabama, Vanderbilt or Georgia make deep runs or win key games, it strengthens their QB’s candidacy.
- Outside challengers: While the SEC quarterbacks dominate this list now, others could emerge and alter the narrative.
