Miami, Florida –ย Another week has come and gone, bringing changes up and down the Lemon City Live Heisman Watchlist Power Rankings. Key matchups such as Oregon versus Penn State, Alabama at Georgia, and the battle between Indiana and Iowa led to the downfall of some and the rise of others. Only two remain from last week’s crop, and they happen to be those who sat out due to the bye week or injury. Garrett Nussmeier lost the most with his performance at Ole Miss. Seen as the underdogs, Nussmeier’s chance turned into outright regression. Now he is on the outside looking in, way outside.
Two players in particular were on the cusp of joining the list, with the newest number one doing so thanks to their performance defeating the Nittany Lions. Initially, this group was almost entirely SEC. Carson Beck was the lone representative who coincidentally transferred out of the conference to the ACC. Now, the five have representation from three leagues, including two from the Big Ten, which muscled its way in, occupying the top two slots. Let the chaos continue!
Dante Moore
I canโt stop watching this throw by Dante Moore.
Dude has been hated on and counted out a ton based on 4 games as a freshman.
Dudes been through so much.
Comes into one of the most hostile environments in the nation and genuinely balls out. pic.twitter.com/dLO71v1zSS
— The Quackalorian ๐ฆ (@DuckOnQuack2023) September 30, 2025
Previous Ranking: NR
Heading into the weekend, Dante Moore had impressive statistics, albeit against relatively easy opponents. Penn State represented a big first test for the Oregon Duck quarterback, and he put up good numbers. Moore completed 29 of 39 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns against the third-best team in the country. With 1,210 passing yards, 14 TDs, and one interception, Dante sits atop the list with a juicy matchup versus Indiana. Speaking of…
Fernando Mendoza
This hole shot from the far hash from Fernando Mendoza ๐ค๐คง๐ฎโ๐จ pic.twitter.com/xsriCMR0tf
— Full-Time Dame ๐ฐ (@DP_NFL) September 27, 2025
Previous Ranking: NR
How did this guy get here? Born and raised here in Miami, Fernando Mendoza attended Christopher Columbus High School, where he produced 1,396 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Mendoza was the team captain during his junior and senior years, leading the team to the semifinals of the 8A Florida state playoffs in his final high school season. He was supposed to attend Yale. However, he went to Cal instead, playing two seasons before hitting the transfer portal. For 2025, Mendoza has 1,208 passing yards, a whopping 16 touchdowns, and a lone INT, propelling him to second place in the Heisman race.
Carson Beck
Saturdays arenโt the same without you, Canes Family! ๐
See you soon ๐ค pic.twitter.com/e4tSdV3uxJ
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 27, 2025
Previous Ranking: 2
That Florida State showdown is crucial in more ways than one. Not only is it a big game against a longtime conference rival, but it also has Heisman and postseason implications. Carson Beck is coming off a needed bye week after throwing interceptions for two straight games. His last appearance was the worst performance of the year, and he’ll need to bounce back to keep the Miami Hurricanes undefeated.
Ty Simpson
Ty Simpson should be included in 1st round mocks now imo pic.twitter.com/esV5g1STe1
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 28, 2025
Previous Ranking: NR
The Alabama Crimson Tide returns to the fray this time with redshirt junior Ty Simpson. He was on my radar even when Bama lost to FSU, completing roughly half of his 43 passes for 254 yards and a pair of scores. Simpson went on to crush UL Monroe and Wisconsin via a combined eight touchdowns (seven in the air), followed by a two-TD and 276-yard performance in the 24-21 win over No. 5 Georgia. Ty has thrown 11 touchdowns thus far, complemented by 1,138 yards and zero picks. Perfection.
John Mateer
TOUCHDOWN OKLAHOMA ๐ฃ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/VD9OBdPyCe
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 20, 2025
Previous Ranking: 1
This guy is gone for most folks, at least until he returns from injury. As a testament to John Mateer’s athleticism and early-season success, he remains on the watchlist for perhaps one more week. Others are knocking at the door.


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